Tomar: The Enchanting City of the Knights Templar

• HelloOlá
  [oh-lah]
• GoodbyeAdeus
  [ah-deh-oosh]
• YesSim
  [seem]
• NoNão
  [now]
• Please/You're welcomePor favor/De nada
  [por fah-vohr/deh nah-dah]
• Thank youObrigado
  [oh-bree-gah-doo]
• Excuse me/SorryCom licença/Desculpe
  [kohm lee-sen-sah/deh-skool-peh]
• How are you?Como está?
  [koh-moh ehs-tah]
• Fine. And you?Bem. E você?
  [behn/eh voh-seh]
• Do you speak English?Fala inglês?
  [fah-lah een-glehsh]
• I don't understandNão entendo
  [now ehn-tehn-doo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseGostaria de ver o menu, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh vehr ooh meh-noo/por fah-vohr]
• I don't eat meatNão como carne
  [now koh-moh kahr-neh]
• Cheers!Saúde!
  [sow-deh]
• I would like to pay, pleaseGostaria de pagar, por favor
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh pah-gahr/por fah-vohr]

• Help!Socorro!
  [soh-koh-roh]
• Go away!Vai embora!
  [vah-ee ehn-boh-rah]
• Call the Police!Chame a polícia!
  [shah-meh ah poh-lee-see-ah]
• Call a doctor!Chame um médico!
  [shah-meh oom meh-dee-koo]
• I'm lostEstou perdido
  [ehs-toh pehr-dee-doo]
• I'm illEstou doente
  [ehs-toh doo-ehn-teh]

• I'd like to buy...Gostaria de comprar...
  [goh-stah-ree-ah deh kohm-prahr]
• I'm just lookingEstou só a ver
  [ehs-toh soh ah vehr]
• How much is it?Quanto custa?
  [koo-ahn-toh koosh-tah]
• That's too expensiveIsso é muito caro
  [ee-soh eh moo-ee-toh kah-roo]
• Can you lower the price?Pode baixar o preço?
  [poh-deh by-shahr ooh preh-soo]

• What time is it?Que horas são?
  [keh oh-rahz sow]
• It's one o'clockÉ uma hora
  [eh ooh-mah oh-rah]
• Half past (10)Meia (10)
  [meh-ee-ah (deh-eez)]
• MorningManhã
  [mah-nyah]
• AfternoonTarde
  [tahr-deh]
• EveningNoite
  [noh-ee-teh]
• YesterdayOntem
  [ohn-tehm]
• TodayHoje
  [oh-zheh]
• TomorrowAmanhã
  [ah-mah-nyah]
• 1Um
  [oom]
• 2Dois
  [doh-eez]
• 3Três
  [trehsh]
• 4Quatro
  [kwah-troh]
• 5Cinco
  [seen-koh]
• 6Seis
  [saysh]
• 7Sete
  [seh-teh]
• 8Oito
  [oy-toh]
• 9Nove
  [noh-veh]
• 10Dez
  [dehsh]

• Where's a/the...?Onde fica o/a...?
  [ohn-deh fee-kah oh/ah]
• What's the address?Qual é o endereço?
  [kahl eh ooh ehn-deh-reh-soo]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pode mostrar-me (no mapa)?
  [poh-deh moh-strahr-meh/noh mah-pah]
• When's the next (bus)?Quando é o próximo (autocarro)?
  [kwan-doo eh ooh proh-ksih-moo/ow-toh-kah-roo]
• A ticket (to ....)Um bilhete (para ....)
  [oom bee-lyeh-teh/pah-rah]

Tomar was founded in 1157 by Gualdim Pais, the fourth Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal. The land was granted to the Templars by King Afonso I of Portugal, and the town quickly became a prominent center for the order. The construction of the Convento de Cristo, initially a Templar stronghold, began in 1160 and played a pivotal role in the region's development.

The Convento de Cristo is one of Tomar's most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Initially serving as a fortress for the Knights Templar, it later underwent significant expansions and renovations, reflecting various architectural styles including Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance. The Charola, a round church inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, is particularly noteworthy.

In 1312, the Knights Templar were disbanded by Pope Clement V under pressure from King Philip IV of France. However, in Portugal, the Templar assets were transferred to the newly established Order of Christ in 1319, largely preserving the Templars' legacy. The Order of Christ played a crucial role in Portugal's Age of Discoveries, providing both financial support and navigational expertise.

Tomar is renowned for its Manueline architectural style, a Portuguese Gothic that incorporates maritime elements and symbols of the Age of Discoveries. The window of the Chapter House in the Convento de Cristo is a prime example, featuring intricate carvings of ropes, corals, and other nautical motifs. This style flourished under King Manuel I, who was a former Grand Master of the Order of Christ.

The Order of Christ was instrumental in Portugal's Age of Discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries. Many famous explorers, including Vasco da Gama and Pedro Álvares Cabral, were associated with the order. Tomar, as the headquarters of the order, became a hub of maritime knowledge and innovation, contributing significantly to Portugal's global exploration efforts.

Constructed in the mid-15th century, the Synagogue of Tomar is one of the best-preserved medieval synagogues in Portugal. It was built by the Jewish community, which played a significant role in the town's economic and cultural life. Today, it houses the Museu Luso-Hebraico de Abraão Zacuto, which showcases Jewish artifacts and history.

The Festa dos Tabuleiros, or Festival of the Trays, is one of Portugal's oldest and most vibrant festivals, held every four years in Tomar. The festival's origins date back to pagan rituals celebrating the harvest, later Christianized to honor the Holy Spirit. During the festival, local women carry tall trays of bread and flowers on their heads in a colorful procession through the town, accompanied by various traditional events and performances.

Today, Tomar is a charming blend of historical significance and modern vibrancy. The town preserves its rich heritage while offering contemporary amenities and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore its picturesque streets, dine in local restaurants, and engage with its thriving arts scene, all while being surrounded by centuries of history.

Tomar is located in central Portugal, approximately 135 kilometers north of Lisbon. The nearest airport is Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS). From Lisbon, you can take a direct train to Tomar; the journey typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive from Lisbon to Tomar via the A1 and IC3 highways, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Tomar is a small city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips within the city, local taxis are available and relatively inexpensive. Public buses operate within Tomar and connect to nearby towns. Renting a car is a convenient option if you plan to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Portugal is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Tomar. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are available throughout the city for cash withdrawals.

Tomar is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Tomar. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches and monasteries. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake; a friendly 'bom dia' (good day) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Tomar like a local, visit the weekly market held every Friday where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Portuguese goods. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Festa dos Tabuleiros, a unique festival held every four years. For a relaxing experience, take a stroll along the Nabão River and enjoy a coffee at one of the riverside cafes.