Day 13 Knights of Templar Town (Tomar)

Temperature 24C. Sunny and warm all day!

Today we visited a town called Tomar.

We lucked in and found a free packing spot at the bus station. We first made our way to the big square across from the train station to take a few pics of the huge sign of Tomar. Then found the local “Tourismo” office to get a local map. They are always so kind and friendly there.

Tomar was created in 1160 by order of the first Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal as their headquarters. Henry the Navigator is responsible for its expansion, then the Grand Master of the order of Christ. The Castle and the Convent of Christ Monastery were designated as the headquarters. The title of knight was reserved only for the monks. The monks and other townspeople served in Tomar and fought for the town of Tomar against the Moorish. From inside the Castle and the convent there are many great views of the city of Tomar. We spent 3 hours there and it was well worth it! So it was a good thing we had stopped at the entry point for a afternoon pick me up Bica and (Bica with milk); tourist trap..3 euros for both!

The Chapel inside the Convent was magnificent and we had already paid for the entry with a combined ticket purchase for three World Heritage sites (Alcobaca and Batalha) to see. We had brought some snacks with us, so we took advantage of reprieve from the sun under a big oak tree and made use of a stone picnic table!

Just down from the castle there was a medieval dark restaurant, with candles lite on each table and the waiters dressed in traditional clothes!

After our exploration of the castle we headed to town for lunch. We stopped at a local cafe and had delicious “Toasta Mista” a delicious grilled ham and cheese sandwich on homemade bread! With a water each, for 6.10 euros total.

We then headed on a walkabout of Tomar to check out some other sights. We visited the oldest Synagogue in all of Portugal. It was small but well preserved. We strolled along the streets of Tomar checking out the shops. One gentleman at a restaurant entrance, chatted with us, explaining different sights that we should see in the town. He gave us a map too! He explained everything on the menu in English…one interesting item was a sausage that is tradition for the town, it was made only from different foul, so that the Jewish people could eat it without having to worry about the pork!

It wasn’t long before it was Bica time again! This time 2 coffee, 1 beer, 1 pastry all for $2.80 euros! We then found our way to the museum of matchboxes! It must be the largest collection in the world of different matchboxes from all over creation. All collected by one man called Dos Fosforos It was pretty unique collection, some even provocative! We did find the collection from Canada and even one for St. John’s NL! Within this same square of the matchbox museum, there was a local authentic Portuguese ceramic shop. There were 4 women inside all working on different pieces and different stages. We watched one lady turn a clay pitcher within minutes! It was fascinating. So we had to buy a fridge magnet for the town of Tomar from them.

The day wouldn’t be complete without a couple of pictures of the local sunset from the rooftop deck of the condo. We had a great view of the ocean from there! Then a quick stop at the local Intermarche for supplies and home for cooked supper. Pork stir fry with vegetables topped off with wine and dark chocolate for dessert.