Convent of Christ (Tomar)
The Convent of Christ is a former Catholic convent in Tomar, Portugal. Originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold, when the order was dissolved in the 14th century the Portuguese branch was turned into the Knights of the Order of Christ, that later supported Portugal's maritime discoveries of the 15th century. The convent and castle complex are a historic and cultural monument and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
A view of the Convent and Castle complex of Tomar
The main church of the Convent of Tomar constructed by the Knights Templar
The Manueline nave, as seen from the Renaissance era cloisters
The elaborate pinnacles over the western facade of the church
Tomar, also known in English as Thomar, is a city and a municipality in the Santarém district of Portugal. The town proper has a population of about 20,000. The municipality population in 2011 was 40,677, in an area of 351.20 km2 (135.60 sq mi).
View of the town of Tomar and the Nabão river
Praça da República (Republic Square) and Paços do Concelho (17th century Town Hall), in Tomar. The bronze statue represents Gualdim Pais, founder of the town.
Castle and Convent of the Knights Templar of Tomar; transferred in 1344 to the Knights of the Order of Christ
View of the round Templar church (12th century) of the Convent of the Order of Christ