Tomar is an ancient city founded by the Knights Templar in 1157. Monastery of the Order of Christ in the city of Tomar (Convent of Christ in Tomar). Date of inclusion on the UNESCO list: 1983.
The city of Batalha and the most beautiful monastery in Portugal, De Santa Maria Da Victoria (Monastery of Batalha). Date of inclusion on the UNESCO list: 1983.
Church of the Royal Abbey of Santa Maria de Alcobaça. Date of inclusion on the UNESCO list: 1989.
The island of the Middle Ages – Óbidos. This ancient city with winding streets, high walls, white houses, and flower-filled bungalows will take you back to the distant Middle Ages. Here you can taste delicious cherry liqueur – Ginjinha – in miniature chocolate cups.
Tour description:
Do you want to visit the real Middle Ages? Afterward, we will start our tour with a visit to the ancient city of Tomar. The symbol of the city, founded in 1157, is the Monastery of Christ, built by the Knights Templar. It is located on top of a hill, at the foot of which is the city. That’s where we’ll go first. The monastery is a true museum of Portuguese architecture, as its appearance is based on a mixture of several famous styles: Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance. Old Tomar is covered by a network of medieval alleys that lead to Praça da República, where the 15th-century Church of São João Baptista stands. Other attractions include the 12th-century Church of Santa Maria do Olival and the 16th-century Renaissance Basilica of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
Next, the city of Batalha and the most beautiful monastery in Portugal, De Santa Maria Da Victoria, awaits you. This monastery was built in honor of the great victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385 and is recognized by UNESCO as a heritage of humanity. Before the battle, King Don Juan I vowed to build the most grandiose church in honor of the Blessed Virgin in case of victory. Over the course of two centuries, seven kings continued the construction of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
In the center of Alcobaça, you will visit the largest church in Portugal – Real Abadia De Santa Maria De Alcobaça, which is one of the best examples of a medieval abbey of the Sinter religious order. Here are the tombs of King Don Pedro I and Dona Ines De Castro – the Portuguese “Romeo and Juliet”. You will learn the story of their tragic love from your guide.
Our next stop is the medieval island of Obidos. Impressive fortress walls dating back to the Arab era surround this beautiful town with white houses decorated with geraniums and climbing bushes. Óbidos was conquered from the Muslims by Afonso Henriques in 1148. A century later, King Don Dinis ordered the construction of a castle here, which was converted into a palace in the 16th century. He also established a beautiful tradition – the kings of Portugal gave Obidos to their brides.
These are other existent tours at your disposal, for you to try!
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