Convento de Cristo
15 images 1 contributors Shoot with care
Sue Wolfe
Shoot with care
This is a religious site so dress respectfully.
About this spot
Convento de Cristo was founded by the Templar Knights in 1118. The Castle of the Knights Templar sits on a hill overlooking the River Nabão. The fortress was tested in 1190 when it was surrounded by the armies of caliph Abu Yusuf al-Mansur. While strongholds in the south fell, the castle in Tomar stayed under the Knights’ control. It became an integral part of the defense system created by the Templars to secure the border against the Moors.
The Knights took a vow of poverty and chastity, but over the years they gained extraordinary wealth earning them many powerful enemies. Under pressure from France’s King Philip, Pope Clement V dissolved the Knights Templar in 1312. In Portugal, however, the Order flourished and its members and assets were transferred to the Order of Christ. Its leaders included Prince Henry the Navigator and King Manuel. The complex continued to expand with the backing of the Royal Family. King João III eventually demilitarized the order, making it more religious in tone, and ordered the construction of a new cloister in 1557. In 1581, the Portuguese nobility gathered in the Convent of Christ and officially recognized Philip II of Spain as King.
Built over the span of five centuries, the castle and convent are a mixture of styles—including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance.
The Charola Church (the rotunda) is at the heart of the convent. The circular design follows the same principles as the great temples in Jerusalem. It showcases some of the most elaborate 16th century religious art in Portugal.
The convent was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in 1983.
The Knights took a vow of poverty and chastity, but over the years they gained extraordinary wealth earning them many powerful enemies. Under pressure from France’s King Philip, Pope Clement V dissolved the Knights Templar in 1312. In Portugal, however, the Order flourished and its members and assets were transferred to the Order of Christ. Its leaders included Prince Henry the Navigator and King Manuel. The complex continued to expand with the backing of the Royal Family. King João III eventually demilitarized the order, making it more religious in tone, and ordered the construction of a new cloister in 1557. In 1581, the Portuguese nobility gathered in the Convent of Christ and officially recognized Philip II of Spain as King.
Built over the span of five centuries, the castle and convent are a mixture of styles—including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance.
The Charola Church (the rotunda) is at the heart of the convent. The circular design follows the same principles as the great temples in Jerusalem. It showcases some of the most elaborate 16th century religious art in Portugal.
The convent was added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites in 1983.
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