Igreja de São João Baptista

Tomar


The old town’s most striking church faces Praça da República, itself an eye-catching ensemble of 17th-century buildings alive with the echo of cooing pigeons. The church dates mostly from the late 15th century. It has an octagonal spire and richly ornamented Manueline doorways on its northern and western sides. Inside are 16th- and 17th-century azulejos. Gregório Lopes, one of 16th-century Portugal’s finest artists, painted the church's six fine panels.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Tomar attractions

1. Museu Luso-Hebraico Abraham Zacuto

0.05 MILES

On a charming cobbled lane in the old town, you’ll find the country’s best-preserved medieval synagogue. Built between 1430 and 1460, it was used for only…

2. Núcleo De Arte Contemporânea

0.11 MILES

This modern museum showcases the work of 20th-century modernists and surrealists as well as contemporary artists from all over Portugal.

3. Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes

0.17 MILES

These bucolic 39-hectare gardens – linked to the Convento de Cristo – were founded by the Order of Christ and once served as a contemplative space and…

4. Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Conceição

0.19 MILES

Downhill from the monastery is this strikingly simple Renaissance chapel in a lovely position. It’s attributed to Diogo de Torralva, architect of the…

5. Convento de Cristo

0.25 MILES

Wrapped in splendour and mystery, the Knights Templar held enormous power in Portugal from the 12th to 16th centuries, and largely bankrolled the Age of…

6. Museu dos Fósforos

0.29 MILES

This museum, reached via the lovely courtyard of the Convento de São Francisco, contains Europe’s largest collection of matchboxes. Amassed by local …

7. Aqueduto de Pegões

0.7 MILES

This astonishing aqueduct, striding towards the monastery from the northwest, was built between 1593 and 1613 to supply water to thirsty monks. Its 180…