Fodor's Expert Review Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival

Tomar Church

The 13th-century Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival—still set in an olive grove, as the name suggests—is where the bones of several Knights Templar are interred, including those of Gualdim Pais, founder of the order in Portugal; his original tomb slab, dated from 1195, can still be seen inside. The church later served the same purpose for the Order of Christ, which succeeded the Templars in the 14th century. Popular belief—supported by some archaeological evidence—has it that the church was once connected with the Convent of Christ by a tunnel.

Church

Quick Facts

Rua Aquiles de Mota Lima
Tomar, Santarém  2300–455, Portugal

Sight Details:
Rate Includes: Closed Mon.

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