Tomar, Medieval municipality in Santarém, Portugal.
Tomar is a city in Santarém that spreads across fertile land along the Nabão River with a population of around 40,000. At its heart stands the Convent of Christ, a sprawling monastery complex with courtyards, gardens, and cloisters that reveal different building styles from medieval times onward.
The Knights Templar founded their headquarters here in 1160 and built a castle under Grand Master Gualdim Pais. After the order was dissolved, the city became the seat of the Portuguese Order of Christ, which strengthened its importance in the country.
The Festa dos Tabuleiros takes place every four years, transforming the city into a celebration where locals carry tall ornamental towers made from bread, flowers, and grains through the streets. This festival shows how residents keep their traditions alive through shared public rituals.
The main complex is open daily and features pathways through different areas at varying elevations, though some sections require climbing stairs. It's best to explore slowly to fully appreciate the architectural details in the courtyards and along the facades.
The 15th-century Synagogue of Tomar stands as the best-preserved medieval Jewish temple in Portugal and now functions as a museum of Hebrew culture. The space retains its original architectural features and tells the story of the Jewish community that once lived here.
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