Hello. We're staying 2 nights in Tomar (Sep 28-29) and had planned to visit the Convent of Christ and Templar Castle. I'm seeing that the Templar Castle is closed for renovations. Can someone confirm that the Convent of Christ is open? Or are they both closed? I've asked the question on this website https://www.turismo.cm-tomar.pt/en but haven't heard back yet.
Thanks for any insight!
Posted by
California 🦋
5464 posts
MorganMurphy,
According to the Convent of Christ website:
Due to Conservation and Restoration work within the scope of the PRR (Recovery and Rehabilitation Program), some areas of this Monument have restricted or limited access.
The works will be carried out in phases and at this moment there are restrictions in the following areas:
- South Terrace and access to the Friars' Garden;
- South, East and West wings of the ground floor and 1st floor of the Main Cloister;
- "Wax" Terrace of the Main Cloister;
- Ground floor of the Santa Bárbara Cloister;
- Washing Cloister;
- Garden and Courtyard.The Convent of Christ thanks visitors in advance for their attention and understanding.
Here’s the official website:
https://www.museusemonumentos.pt/en/museus-e-monumentos/convento-de-cristo
Hope this helps!
Enjoy your time in beautiful Portugal!
Posted by
OP
Denver, Colorado
260 posts
Thank you again, Priscilla. Sounds like there are still many areas to see and enjoy.
Posted by
California
13 posts
The castle is closed because of damage during a storm with very strong winds in January of this year.
The Convent of Christ is open. We were able to visit all the areas we had read about during our visit about 10-days ago.
Posted by
2 posts
Reading this thread and have a couple follow-up questions...
We will be traveling mid-November, and will be going from Coimbra to Nazare. We were initially planning to go directly from Coimbra to Nazare, and maybe do a day trip from Nazare or Lisbon to Tomar, but are now thinking to take a bus from Coimbra to Tomar, spend the day visiting the town and touring the Castle/Convent, and then finding a private driver/taxi to take us to Nazare, given the limited bus service.
- Given what is currently closed, either due to the R&R program or the January storms, is it still worth this side trip just for the day?
- If we choose to do this, is there a baggage deposit at the bus station in Tomar?
- Can anyone recommend a private driver to get us to Nazare, or simpler to find a taxi at the bus station?
Thanks,
RAP
Posted by
OP
Denver, Colorado
260 posts
I'm glad we still visited Tomar, although it was a shame to miss the castle. The Convent was interesting to see. I liked walking around the old town area. I love learning more about the Knights Templar history and Tomar is basically the capital of that. The Templar cross is everywhere and there are stores that sell all kinds of knights-related items. So if that history is interesting to you, I say go for it.
We did stop at a different Templar Castle, Almoural, which is about 20 km outside of Tomar.
We had a car so I can't help with transfer service.
Have fun!
Edit to add: I see from Jamie's post that we didn't miss much with the Tomar castle closed. We also walked up to the Convent from town and it was not a bad walk at all.