If you ever find yourself wandering around the rather lovely town of Tomar, pondering where to find a dash of history, a dollop of intrigue, and a great many nooks and crannies, let me direct you to the Convent of Christ. This isn’t just any convent—it’s one that practically shouts “medieval grandeur!” (though quietly, because, you know, it’s a convent).
Founded in 1160 by a fellow named Gualdim Pais, who, aside from having a name that makes you think he was born to do something impressive, was the Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Yes, *those* Knights Templar, the ones with all the secrecy and treasure (though sadly, you won’t find any of that here, despite a good search).The Convent has a bit of everything: from the Romanesque to the Gothic, the Manueline to the Renaissance. You can practically watch history evolve in the architecture. And don’t even get me started on the windows—the famed Manueline window on the western side is so ornate it practically has its own personality.Of course, what you really need to know is that this place was *big*. Not just physically, though it’s certainly that, but in its importance. It served as the headquarters of the Knights Templar, and later the Order of Christ (basically a rebranding of the Templars after they fell out of fashion, much like when your favorite band changes its name but still does the same stuff). The Order played a big role in Portugal’s Age of Discovery, so you can thank them for those adventures across the seas that made Portugal famous for explorers, maps, and for putting half the globe on its early travel itinerary.When you walk through the cloisters (there are eight of them, because apparently, one wasn’t enough), imagine knights clanking about in armor, probably grumbling about sore feet. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of one of the ghosts said to roam the place—because no medieval convent is complete without a few spectral residents.So, whether you’re here for the history, the architecture, or just to take a quiet moment away from the café-lined streets of Tomar, the Convent of Christ is one of those places that manages to be both monumental and unexpectedly charming. Just be prepared to lose yourself in its labyrinthine layout. I can personally vouch that after an hour of wandering, you’ll have no idea where you are—but you’ll be quite happy about it.—