Convent of Christ

Amazing place and a must see. You could
just imagine what life was like during those times. We went in winter and spent 2 hrs just exploring, there was not many tourist at all. There is a nice cafe outside the Castello for coffee and drinks.

It's a wonder for sure. You really go back in time in this one. The building of the church it's completely renovated/cleaned (including the iconic Manuelin window). Most of the cloisters still need renovations.. still it's a must visit place. Huge with a lot to see. Even the surroundings are very pretty.

Highly recommended. The convent is inside the fortress and is one of the most beautiful we have ever been to. A spectacular place with gothic paintings.

Magnificent even on a rainy autumn day. :) You can spend hours exploring its countless cloisters and the adjacent Templars castle. Definitely a must, there's no wonder it's a UNESCO world heritage site.

Been there during winter time. Literally had the whole place on our own. But don't be mistaken. This is a place you shouldn't be missed when in Tomar. But better to rent a car as it quite out of the way. Absolutely gorgeous and historical.

First time here is with my wife and kids in 2020. This year I came with my parents. After Reading a lot of books of the order of templars and the history of Portugal, this place is my favorite by now.

Breathtaking. A must see! The cathedral and convent have been under construction for some time... But slowly it's being revealed and it's outstanding!
Parking can be difficult but don't give up and also don't forget to pay. There is a pay station there in the culdesac. Also located there is a nice cafe. A pleasure to take a coffee ☕ break.
Pro tip: Walk around the side of the structure and look for the aqueduct. It is the end 6 km long structure built in the 15th century. :)

Amazing historical experience with monastery cloisters, bakery, cisterns, patios and nice views. Combines different styles and architectural features but the highlight is the church interior. You can see it all in few hours or squeeze it in about an hour or so if you rush through the cloisters and patios.

Amazing architecture, historical experience, so much to see and learn. Suggest a guide with knowledge of the Templar history of this structure to walk you thru it.

(October 2023) construction going on so the entrance has moved to the far road side temporarily. You can get into the gardens for free which are beautiful and worth visiting! Tickets for the inside are €10 (€5 for certain age groups) but definitely worth it, very beautiful inside:)

The former Catholic convent and castle complex is a historic and cultural monument and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage. The main church of the Convent of Tomar constructed by the Knights Templar.

Convento de Cristo has 4 Cloisters:
1. Claustro da Lavagem
2. Claustro do Cemitério
3. Claustro de Santa Bárbara
4. Claustro de D. João III

Enter price: 10 EUR
Spent time: 60+ min
WC: available
Queue: no [normally up to 10 min]
Parking: available

Entrance fee to the convent was 10euros but the castle grounds, walls and the ruins are free. A great example of military castles inspired by Islamic architecture. Put aside a few hours since you can easily get lost in the convent

One of my favorite historical places in Portugal. There is so much to discover that one can not see it in just one go!
Tickets wise, if you are also going to visit Batalha and Alcobaca Monasteries I would recommend buying the Combined ticket/the Heritage Route ticket (€15).

We entered the exhibition too late, would definitely like to spend a bit more time just to explore all the statues details. Amazing how much thought went into building this convent 😮🩵 If you are in or near Tomar, I wouldn’t skip visiting!

Convento de Cristo, Tomar. This vast complex began as a monastery-fortress of the Knights Templar in 1160, built as part of a chain of defences along the frontier with the Andalusian Almohads, successfully resisting an attack in 1190. The church was built at this time in the distinctive rotunda style with an internal edicule in emulation of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The castle served as the seat of the Portuguese Templars until the dissolution of the Order in 1319; thereafter the former Templar possessions in the country (and much of the membership) were reorganised into the Order of Christ, with the Convento de Cristo as its headquarters. In the 15th century, Prince Henry the Navigator, as Grand Master of the Order, initiated a flurry of construction that would last for a century and a half, producing the vast, labyrinthine monastic complex containing examples of romanesque, Manueline gothic, renaissance and neoclassical styles. Following the succession crisis of 1580, the Portuguese nobility gathered here to proclaim Philip II of Spain as King of Portugal, beginning the Iberian Union.

A beautifully preserved monastery with a walled keep next to it. Definitely worth a visit, the huge diversity in such an accessible historic building is almost unique.

You only need one ticket for both the Convent or Christ and the Castelo de Tomar. They are right next to each other, but have separate entrances... In fact, the convent was built "inside" the castle when the Knights Templar were no longer there... I'm not one for cathedral or church tours, but I was really impressed with this convent. Great history and beautiful, well-preserved architecture. Not a lot of tourists visiting. That made it nice.

This was part of our tour (see other reviews). I cannot over state the value of a good tour guide. Our guides New more than we could have learned before going. You will often have questions like "what are those tiny square holes in the wall for?" Or "What is that?". You will find that there are many things that you might overlook but the guide will cause you to then look at it with new appreciation! The Convento do Christo is an awe inspiring place to go. If you research this place and see the photos and say "that would be really cool to see" you will absolutely be blown away if you go!

Tickets cost Euro 10 for adults. Show the ticket only when you arrive at the chapel itself.

Do this tour together with Castle Tomar tour.

It a beautiful building, but it was in refurbishment. It is magnificent and huge. The main entrance is open, but the entrance from the left side is closed due to the construction. It is a place to visit and walk around. It was not busy when we went on a Saturday.