Beginning of construction of the Templar Tomar Castle

Located on a hill overlooking the city of Tomar, the origin of Tomar Castle dates to the 12th century. Gualdim Pais, Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal, decided to build a new castle to complement the defensive line between Coimbra and Santarém and, simultaneously, create the headquarters of the Order of the Temple in the country.

On March 1, 1160, and as witnessed by the epigraphic inscription on the fortification walls, construction began on the Tomar Castle, one of the most modern fortifications of the time.

Tomar Castle has been classified as a National Monument since 1910, and as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1983.