Nestled by the peaceful Nabão River, St. Maria do Olival is one of those places you might almost miss if you’re not paying attention. But, my word, what a mistake that would be. This church is no mere stop on a tourist itinerary; it’s a direct line to Portugal’s fascinating, and at times, perplexing history.Originally built in the 12th century, this unassuming yet striking church served as the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Yes, ‘those’ Knights Templar—the mysterious warriors whose legend has grown to almost mythical proportions over the centuries. It was Gualdim Pais, the Grand Master of the Templars and founder of Tomar, who ordered its construction. You can almost picture him pacing around with a grand vision in mind: a place that could serve as a burial ground for the Templars, which is why the church also holds the remains of some of these famed knights.What makes St. Maria do Olival stand out isn’t just the Templar connection (though that’s more than enough to give you goosebumps). It’s the fact that it also became a template for Portuguese churches built during the Age of Discovery. Its Gothic simplicity, with a touch of Manueline flair added in later centuries, is nothing short of elegant. Inside, the space is cool, calm, and almost humble, with a serene atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle of modern life.But there’s one quirky feature that might catch you off guard. As you approach the church, you’ll see a lone, slightly wonky bell tower standing apart from the main building. It’s a curious sight, like an old friend who’s wandered a bit too far from the group. No one’s quite sure why it was built separately—perhaps medieval architects were just having an off day—but it adds to the charm.So, next time you’re in Tomar, take a quiet detour to St. Maria do Olival. Gaze up at the ancient stones, breathe in the history, and wonder how a place so deeply connected to the past can still feel so incredibly alive.