Tuesday 1st October

Once upon a time Tomar was Portugal’s HQ for the Knights Templar, founded in 1119 the crusader knights outfitted in white coats sporting a big red cross. Their remit was to protect pilgrims en route to the Holy Land, although they took vows of poverty and chastity their protection racket proved to be very profitable to the point that they became bankers to the kings and pilgrims.

Convento de Cristo in Tomar yet another UNESCO World Heritage site is a fine example of the huge power the Knights Templar wielded, the Charola (round tower) was allegedly set up to enable a church service on horseback.

Henry the Navigator an ex grand master of the Templars had his adventures funded/sponsored by the Templars semi religious gangsters.

Convento de Christo

Charola

Charola ceiling with Knight's Templar cross

Marble bling pulpit

The charola is presently undergoing restoration due to be completed in December 2013 so we were unable to illustrate it’s full detail.

Stairways to heaven

and beyond...

Corridors of power

Knight of the very long table

Double decker aquaduct for thirsty monks

Yet more Templar real estate down river the romantic Castelo de Amourol