Tomar castle
Tomar Castle is a fortress in the Portuguese town of Tomar, originally built in the 12th century as a military structure and later expanded with religious elements. The building combines thick stone walls with tall towers, narrow staircases, and an open courtyard that contains a small domed church.
The fortress was founded in 1160 by Guialdim Pais, a Templar master, serving as a defensive point on the border against Muslim territories. In the 15th century, after the Templar order was dissolved, it was converted into a monastery and expanded with religious structures.
The castle served as a center for the Knights Templar and later for religious communities, with its purpose shifting from military to spiritual over time. This transition is visible in the architecture, where defensive elements and sacred spaces coexist.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the terrain is uneven and exploring the towers and staircases requires physical effort. The best time to visit is in early morning or late afternoon when sunlight highlights the stone structures and crowds are smaller.
The castle features a circular church modeled after a famous holy site in Jerusalem, reflecting the Templars' spiritual heritage. Many visitors overlook local legends claiming the castle grounds may contain hidden Templar treasure, with secrets supposedly encoded in the ancient stones.
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