World Heritage - Turismo do Médio Tejo

Protected by the walls of the Templar Castle, along with which it was considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1983, the Convent of Christ reveals the influence of various architectural styles, as it took seven centuries to be built (from the 12th to the 18th century).

Be dazzled by the round church (“Charola”) which shows the influence of the Romanesque and Byzantine styles. Stroll through the seven cloisters and discover the Renaissance, Gothic, Mannerism and Baroque styles. The Chapterhouse Window, adorned with elements representing the Discoveries, is the epitome of the Manueline art.

Inside the Templar church, round temple inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, discover the mural paintings on the second floor of the tambour and the sculptures in wood. Marvel also at the majestic central tambour.

The Convent of Christ played an important role in the history of Portugal. It served as headquarters for the Templar knights and later for the Order of Christ. With Prince D. Henrique in command, in the 15th century, the knights of the Order of Christ became navigators and sailed to discover new worlds. In the 16th century, Filipe II of Spain was here acclaimed as king of Portugal in 1580. It thus began the Philippine dominion that lasted until 1640.