Church of Santa Maria do Olival

The Church of Santa Maria do Olival features three naves with wooden roofing, pointed arches, and columns extending directly from the ground without capitals.

Built by Templar Master Gualdim Pais in the late 12th century, this church served as the main cemetery for Knights Templar and later for the Order of Christ.

The eastern wall contains an intricately designed rose window shaped like a pentagram, reflecting medieval architectural and symbolic elements of Portuguese religious buildings.

Visitors can access the church daily, but should maintain silence and refrain from photography during religious ceremonies to respect ongoing worship activities.

The tomb slab of Gualdim Pais from 1195 remains in the church, featuring one of the oldest Gothic inscriptions found in Portugal.

Location: Tomar (São João Baptista) e Santa Maria dos Olivais

Operator: Afeto ao culto e à Diocese de Santarém, ao abrigo da Concordata entre a Santa Sé e a República Portuguesa, 1940, artigo 6.º

GPS coordinates: 39.60150,-8.40730

Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:26