The town of Tomar, situated about 100 kilometers from Lisbon Airport and the Spanish border, is the heart of the country and the soul of historical Portugal.
The original medieval town was born inside the walls of the castle, built in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, the fourth master of the order of the Temple (Knights Templars).
Tomar is a cultural and tourist center of international standing, of which the historic and architectural nucleus is the Templars Castle and the Convent of Christ. The town embraces its past and reveals frequently with a variety of festivals devoted to times and beliefs gone by. The most renown of all the festivals held in Tomar is the Festa dos Tabuleiros, which is held once every four years. The historic center and the Festival of Trays, unique in the world, are the most important features.
The present historical center grew under the protection of the powerful Order of the Knights of Christ, the material and spiritual heir of the defunct Order of the Templars or out of devotion to the Holy
Queen in the 14th Century - when the Order of Christ was founded.
Although modern day Tomar embraces it's past wholeheartedly it is definitely a town of the future. The University of Tomar stands on the outskirts of the town and attracts students from all over the world each year to its courses.
There is a hospital, several health centers, municipal sports centers, banks, cafe bars, restaurants, shops, art galleries, hotels, post offices, pharmacies and schools.