The Warrior Within

After staying in Lisbon, we rented a car and traveled to Tomar, Portugal. We had hopes to see the Castelo de Tomar. Unfortunately, it was their Labor Day (May 1st) and we had to wait for the next day. Wandering the town was fairly quiet and most shops were closed, but it is a beautiful old city with lots of charm.

City of Tomar with the castle on the hill.

One of the main streets in Tomar.

Praca da Republica (Republic Square). The statue is of Gualdim Pais- he is a master of the Order of the Temple and designed the city and castle. Tomar was founded in 1160.

In the square, you will find Igreja de Sao Joao Baptista

(Church of Saint John the Baptist). It was built by King Manuel I and is a 15th century Catholic church.

Inside the church. There are some beautiful paintings and decorations (the nave's interior columns and several panels) by Gregorio Lopes, a famous Portuguese Renaissance artist. These were painted around 1530.

Mr. Grumble on one of the cobblestone streets.

You find many quirky things on the streets.

I loved this.

You could see a movie. This was in the main square.

This sculpture, in a round about, represents the Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of Trays) or Festa do Divino Espirito Santo (Feast of the Holy Spirit). It takes place every four years in July in Tomar. The last one was held in 2023. The locals gather in pairs with the ladies carrying tabuleiros (like this sculpture) on their heads. It is made of 30 stacks of bread, decorated with flowers. At the top, is a crown with a white dove, symbolising the Holy Spirit. I may have to show up in 2027 to see this in action!

This body of water that flows throughout Tomar is the Nabao River.

Ponte Velha (Old Bridge). This bridge leads you into the city.

Roda Hidraulica do Mouchao (the Water Wheel of Mouchao Park). This is a gorgeous park to walk through.

The view from our hotel room.

The next day, we finally get to storm the castle and it is a beauty. The Castelo de Tomar was the Portuguese headquarters of the Knights Templar. It was the residence of their Grand Prior (regional leader). It was erected in 1160. There is the Convent of Christ adjacent to the castle that is beloved, but we did not tour it.

Our travel buddies and us at the entrance into the castle grounds.

Mr. Grumble in front of the Templar castle.

The grounds around the castle are stunning.

I found this sculpture through a window on the castle grounds.

The view of Tomar from the castle. Gorgeous.

Mr. Grumble and I at the end of our visit. We gave some money and got a pic with our new friend.

I'm delighted we took the time to enjoy this Templar town. It is a Medieval experience like none other. If you plan to visit Portugal, add Tomar to your travel itenerary. You will be glad you did. Fare thee well.

Next up, Avila!