Convent of Christ, UNESCO World Heritage monastery in Tomar, Portugal.
The Convent of Christ combines elements of several architectural styles over seven centuries and is organized around four grand cloisters surrounding an octagonal church called Charola. The complex demonstrates how different architects added their own ideas as they expanded the building.
The Order of Christ was founded in 1319 by King Dom Dinis and took over former Templar properties. This order later supported Portuguese maritime voyages in the 15th century and enabled the great expeditions.
The site displays how Portuguese architecture evolved from Romanesque through Baroque periods, and how the monks lived daily among these changing styles and rooms. The different building phases show the artistic preferences of successive generations.
The grounds are open daily for visits, with longer hours during the warmer months and reduced hours during the cooler season. It is wise to allow plenty of time to explore the various cloisters and rooms at a comfortable pace.
An impressive aqueduct called Pegões stretches across the landscape and supplied water to the monastery using advanced construction techniques. This water system shows the engineering skill needed to maintain such a large complex.
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