Seven centuries of history

Convent of Christ

The Convent's seven centuries of existence span through the most significant moments of Portuguese history

A convent of enormous importance

The Convent of Christ and the Knights Templar Castle are part of one of the largest monument complexes of peninsular and European architecture.

With the foundation of Tomar by the Knights Templar, the castle is erected in 1160. Its fortified space was perceived as an example of efficiency for military architecture.

With the extinction of the Knights Templar in 1312, the castle became the headquarters of the Order of Christ. Under the administration of Infante D. Henrique (1420-1460), conventual quarters around two gothic-styled cloisters were built - the Washing cloister and the Cemetery.

The Charola - one of the rare and emblematic round-shaped temples in medieval Europe - was inspired by the Jerusalem's Saint Sepulcher paleochristian basilica.

Its entrance faced the east until King Manuel´s works - carried out by João de Castilho - made it south facing,

The Manueline nave´s profuse sculpting ornamentation was a mark of this era, which through paintings with symbolic motifs, both architectural and figurative, extends towards the interior of the Charola.

In the upper part of the ambulatory walls, murals describe scenes from the Book of Genesis and of the New Testament.

In the middle part of the walls, large-scale paintings on wood - by Jorge Afonso - represent scenes from Christ's life.

The images on polychromatic wood representing the prophets and holy priests of the Church were done by Olivier de Gant and Fernão de Muñoz.

When D. João III became King of Portugal in 1528, a profound reform in the Order of Christ took place - religious friars were now confined to strict observance in a life of closure. In order to accomplish his goal, a new and grandiose convent was built organised around five renaissance-styled cloisters.

With the arrival of the Philippine Kings of Spain to the Portuguese throne the Southern facade will be altered with the addition of the grand Convent Aqueduct - the most striking work during the Philippine period.

In 1983, Tomar Castle and the Convent of Christ - headquarters for the religious and military orders of the Temple and of Christ - were awarded the UNESCO Heritage of Mankind classification.

Credits: Story

Coordination:
Andreia Galvão (Director, Convent of Christ)

Text:
Convent of Christ

Digital production:
Luis Ramos Pinto (Directorate-General for Cultural Heritage)

Credits: All media

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Convent of Christ