Tomar is a city of 41,000 people (2011) in Ribatejo, Portugal. Tomar is one of Portugal's historical jewels and, more significantly, was the last Templar town to be commissioned for construction.
Legend of Santa Iria
Iria, a young woman, as rich in physical as in moral gifts, had a religious education in the Benedictine convent of Santa Clara. When the young woman reached adolescence, the Benedictine abbot, her maternal uncle, entrusted her education to the monk Remígio, who he considered worthy of such a delicate mission. She would early gather the sympathy of the nuns and the people of the village, especially the young men and gentlemen, who disputed among themselves the virtues of the novice; among whom stood out the young Britaldo who, surrendered to so much beauty, fell madly in love. Because she intended to dedicate her life to the service of God, she always rejected his loving proposals.
Britaldo, mad with love, fell ill. Iria, moved by Christian charity, comforted him and convinced him of the impossibility of their marriage, as she had taken a vow of chastity. The monk Remígio was aware of Britaldo's loves, and also not indifferent to the maiden's beauty. Mad with jealousy, the monk made Iria drink a potion, provoking signs of pregnancy. Britaldo, considering himself deceived, commissioned his subordinate to kill Iria. And so, on October 20, 653, when Iria prayed her prayers devoutly in a small chapel by the river Nabão, the vile sicario buried a dagger in her chest, throwing her body into the waters.
Iria's body, according to legend, went downstream, ending up at Scalabis. From then on, Scalabis took the name of the Holy Virgin and Martyr, Sant'Iria, today Santarém.
The town of Tomar (too-MAHR, /tu.ˈmaɾ/) was born inside the walls of the Convento de Cristo, constructed under the orders of Gualdim de Pais, the fourth grand master of the Knights Templar in the late 12th century.
Tomar was especially important in the 15th century when it was a center of Portuguese overseas expansion under Henry the Navigator, the Grand Master of the Order of Christ, successor organization to the Templars in Portugal.
From Lisbon: there is hourly direct train from Lisbon (Santa Apolônia/Oriente), about 2 hr, €8.40.
From Porto: several per day, about 3½ hr, €19, need to change in Entrocamento or Lamarosa/Coimbra B.
There are two bus companies that connect Tomar: Rede Expressos and Rodoviária do Tejo.
Tomar is just over 1 hour from Lisbon. Coming from north or south, the A1 is the most direct route. At km94, take the A23 exit, follow this road until you see the sign for Tomar on the IC3. 5 to 10 minutes later you will see the exit sign for Tomar on the N110. Go there and in a few minutes you will reach your destination.
It is a small city.
There is also citybus, 3 lines, €0.85/ticket valid for 1½ hr.
Tomar is a small city but holds an important ancient past and some of the most important monuments in Portugal.
The streets and squares of the picturesque centre of Tomar are organised following a chessboard pattern, a rare feature for a mediaeval city, instituted by Prince Henry the Navigator, which later inspired the pattern used for the rebuilding of Lisbon after the earthquake in 1755. Scattered throughout the town there are many interesting houses with Renaissance, Baroque and Romantic façades. By the river Nabão, near the bridge, there is a park and garden that offer nice views of the city and surroundings.
Local food specialities include Fatias de Tomar, and Beija-me depressa ("kiss me quickly") made by the Estrelas Confeitery.
2nd-order administrative division
Primary administrative division