Tomar, also known in English as Thomar, sits in the Santarém district of Central Portugal. Dominated by the Convento de Cristo which sits high above the city and crossed by the Nabão River its chequered history tells stories of wealth and trading, religion and atrocities, peace and cultivation and it was especially important in the 15th century when it was a centre for Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator. The convent is an incredible place to visit and is open every day except various Bank Holidays. It really is a ‘must do’ place to visit and you will not forget its stunning beauty if you go.

The Romans, Moors and Portugal’s own Gualdim Pais have all set their mark on this beautiful city. Its beautiful churches, old town and Convento are visited by thousands of tourists each year each showing its visitors its mysterious, wonderful and often colourful past.

Tomar is “…the most spectacular place to visit in Portugal” (Guardian 2013).

Tomar can’t be talked about without mentioning the spectacular aqueduct at Pegões, just a couple of kilometres outside the city to the west. The building of this enormous structure was started in 1593 and it was finally finished in 1614. It served the Convento with clean, fresh water. You can walk the length of the aqueduct high above the ground, if you are brave enough and have a head for heights – there are no safety rails!