The best walks and hikes around Serra e Junceira e Junceira e Junceira

The Praça da República and the Igreja Matriz de São João Baptista are the historical and cultural heart of Tomar, a city deeply linked to the history of the Knights Templar in Portugal. This square is the nerve center of Tomar, surrounded by historic buildings and offering a charming atmosphere.

Originally located within the walled enclosure of Tomar Castle, its construction dates back to its origins (c. 1160) and is closely linked to the beginnings of the Kingdom of Portugal and the Order of the Templars (later the Order of Christ). The Charola was the private oratory of the knights within the fortress. Completed in 1190, the entrance to the Charola originally faced east. The Charola is not only a place of worship and meditation, but also a symbol of the ideals and beliefs of the Templar Order. It commemorates the Templars' connection to the Christian faith and their mission to protect the Holy Land. The Charola also symbolizes the unity and strength of the Order. As an octagonal space, it represents the eight Templar virtues: courage, honor, mercy, integrity, humility, sincerity, fraternity, and faith. These values are the foundation of their actions and our decisions. It was significantly remodeled in the 16th century. A major breakthrough in the west added it during the reign of D. Manuel I as the main chapel of the attached Munuelist church. Further details can be found here: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charola_do_Convento_de_Cristo A virtual tour is available here: https://mpembed.com/show/?m=fBGNBFFcNDc

Detailed plans of the complex, including the identification of the individual parts and monasteries, can be found here: https://campanha.cmjornal.pt/portugal-monumental/ https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Cristo#/media/Datei:TomarChurchPlanCC3-pt.jpg https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjONUon4tGroEfnLT311dfFBPy 7gkSdMIt7aDFXuB2X61MqnwjBYUVJwZs3nELeNox-cEindezimgkuppLnXY6-XxrO-2WJQ_62jz9Qme64FlLgng2leHtQJZ3iuys8kl6z1fh1M1Ns6SOV/s1600/05Tomar.jpg https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Convento_de_Cristo#/media/File:TomarChurchPlanCC3-pt.jpg

The Church of Saint John the Baptist (Portuguese: Igreja de São João Baptista) was built between the 15th and 16th centuries by King Manuel I in the Manueline style. As its name suggests, the church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. The church features many interesting artistic details, such as the flamboyant Gothic portal, the Manueline tower with a 16th-century clock, the decorated capitals of the interior columns of the nave, and several panels painted in the 1530s by one of Portugal's most important Renaissance artists, Gregório Lopes.

The Mouchão Park is a beautiful garden in the heart of Tomar. This green oasis is surrounded by the Nabão River, creating several areas connected by a bridge and a small dam. The park offers magnificent views of some of the city's most important landmarks. In addition to a charming replica of a waterwheel, the shady and cool park also boasts an excellent restaurant in a prime location, O Mouchão.

A model of a hydraulic water wheel, once used to irrigate fields or supply water to mills. The wheel was built in 1976 and has been rebuilt and renovated several times. It is located in the Parque do Mouchão.

The canal in the park of Tomar.

Church of St. John the Baptist