Convent of Christ – Tomar

Convento de Cristo is the name by which the monumental complex comprising the Templar Castle of Tomar, the Renaissance convent of the Order of Christ, the conventual enclosure, now known as Mata dos Sete Montes, the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception and the conventual aqueduct, also known as the Pegões Aqueduct, is generally known. The castle was founded in 1160 and comprised the walled town, the courtyard and the military house located between the Master’s house, the Alcáçova, and the knights’ oratory in a rotunda, the Charola, which was completed in 1190.

In 1420, with the castle now the seat of the Order of Christ, Prince Henry the Navigator transformed the military house into a convent for the branch of contemplative religious he was introducing into the Order of Christ, and adapted the Alcáçova into his manor house.

All these spaces, built over centuries, make the Convent of Christ a grandiose monumental complex that has earned UNESCO World Heritage status.