A Taste of Tomar

NOTE: We may take a larger vehicle which could accomodate 6 more. To be put on the waitlist email Ljstorer@gmail.com

A TASTE OF TOMAR
Enchanting and brimming with fascinating history, Tomar is an exciting town for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and travellers who appreciate culture. Although it is certainly worthy of spending a few days exploring its charms, OSC DayTrippers – with the guidance of our very own history buff, Patricia Ferreira– is going to treat you to the very best of Tomar during a full day tour.

Called the “spiritual capitol of Portugal” due to its connection to the military Order of the Temple, Tomar was founded in 1160 by the Templar knights and their Grand-Master Gualdim Pais. But the human occupation in the region of dates from more than 30,000 years ago. The Romans, Barbarians, Suebi, Visigoths and Arabs passed through this region - and all left their marks.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR
Pegões Altos Aqueduct
We’ll be stopping on the way to Tomar to see this amazing aqueduct that covers about 6 Km, connecting the water from four springs located on the outskirts of the city of Tomar to the Convent of Christ. It consists of a total of 180 perfect round arches and represents one of the most important construction works of the 17th century in Portugal.
Convent of Christ and Templar Castle
The Convent of Christ and the Templar Castle form a unique monument comprised of buildings constructed between the 12th and 18th centuries. Its origins in 1160 are intertwined with the early Kingdom of Portugal. Recognized as a National Monument in 1910 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, its area is 54,000 m2, with 40,000 m2 of covered built area, which is equivalent to the area of an average medieval city. Objectively, it is the largest monumental area in Portugal and one of the largest in the world.
Here we will have the opportunity to visit the magnificent octagonal Charola, the Knight´s private oratory inside the fortress.

Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival
The Church of Santa Maria do Olival is a temple that, in its origin, dates back to the 12th century. Dedicated to Holy Mary, the original church was built according to instructions of Gualdim Pais, and was meant to be the final home of all Templar Grand-Masters - the Pantheon of the Order of the Temple.

During the period of the Order of Christ, the Church of Santa Maria do Olival became the parish church with jurisdiction over all overseas churches of the Discoveries territories.

Mouchão Park
On the banks of the Nabão River, in the heart of Tomar's historic center, we will take some time to enjoy and rest a bit in the Mouchão Park, a green paradise that contrasts with the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a landscaped space in the middle of the river, a small island connected to the city by pedestrian bridges and presenting the “Roda do Nabão”, a huge waterwheel.

The Lavada da Tomar
One of the city’s landmarks located along the Nabão River, the Levada de Tomar is an old mill area, made up of the Moinhos e Lagares d’El Rei (Mills and Olive Oil Press), built in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Templar Knights. This is one of the notable examples of the existing industrial heritage in the municipality, marked by a series of symbolic historical events for Tomar and an inseparable part of the history and identity of this territory.
The Synagogue
This important building was built between 1430 and 1460, by order of Prince D. Henrique, “The Navigator.” The Jewish community generously contributed to the great enterprise of the Portuguese Discoveries, both financially and with technical and scientific knowledge.

NOTE: You will be on your feet and walking a good part of the trip; however we will be stopping for rests along the way. Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring snacks and water (we will have some for the drive), a sunhat, sunscreen and get a good night's sleep. It's a long day with lots to see.