The best walks and hikes around Casais

old roman bridge

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.

A rather old arched road and pedestrian bridge connecting the two banks of the Nabão River in the city of Tomar. It is said that the Romans first crossed the Nabão River on this site. It was rebuilt in the 16th century and widened in the 19th century, with the stone railings removed and replaced with metal ones. It was completely redesigned in the first half of the 20th century, with the railings renewed and widened, and the piers and buttresses stabilized. It makes a stunning photo opportunity, especially at dusk and from the nearby parks.

A hidden gem tucked away behind the waters of the Rio Nabão, adorned with beautiful azulejos tiles. The Santa Iria Monastery originated as a retreat for pious women in the heart of Tomar, on the banks of the Nabão River. In 1467, Dona Mécia Queiroz, the widow of Pero Vaz de Almeida, the estate manager, acquired the Santa Iria property from Prince Henry the Navigator and commissioned the construction of a house and chapel where she and her daughters could retreat. In 1523, at the request of one of the founder's daughters, the retreat was placed under the patronage of Saint Clare. In 1536, the chapel and retreat house were rebuilt and enlarged at the expense of Pedro Moniz da Silva, commander of the Knights Templar. This magnificent Renaissance-style structure, inspired by the Coimbra Renaissance school, dates from this period. The Church of Santa Iria has a rectangular floor plan and consists of the nave, the chancel, the sacristy, and the adjacent Chapel of the Valleys. The interior comprises a single nave with a coffered ceiling adorned with painted ornaments, and the walls are lined with diamond-shaped carpet tiles. On the Epistle side is the Chapel of the Valleys, commissioned in the mid-16th century by D. Miguel do Vale and originally dedicated to the Lord Jesus.

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.