Meet King Afonso I, the warrior who founded Portugal. Discover his battles, legacy, and how he became a symbol of national pride and independence.

Experience the Magic of Tomar’s Festa dos Tabuleiros

Held every four years in the historic city of Tomar, the Festa dos Tabuleiros (Festival of the Trays) is one of Portugal’s most breathtaking and meaningful cultural traditions. Women dressed in white carry towering trays of bread and flowers on their heads through streets blanketed in handmade floral carpets, while the entire town transforms into a living celebration of faith, community, and heritage. With roots stretching back to ancient fertility rites and deeply tied to the Christian Cult of the Holy Spirit, this remarkable event unites past and present in a dazzling display of devotion and unity. Don’t miss your chance to witness this unforgettable festival — a true treasure of Portuguese tradition.

Trebuchet History & Design – Explore Medieval Siege Weapon Power

The trebuchet was one of the most formidable siege weapons of the Middle Ages, capable of hurling massive projectiles with incredible force. Powered by gravity and precision engineering, this medieval marvel revolutionized warfare. Explore how trebuchets were designed, operated, and used to breach castle walls—and why they remain a symbol of military ingenuity today.

What Were Siege Towers?

Siege towers, or belfries, were towering wooden war machines built on wheels to breach castle defenses. Designed to match or surpass the height of fortress walls, these mobile structures protected soldiers from enemy fire while allowing archers to attack and infantry to storm walls via a drawbridge platform. Discover how siege towers changed medieval warfare with their innovative design and strategic use.

The Pillory of Tomar: A Historic Monument of Templar and Maritime Legacy

Discover the Pillory of Tomar, a historic monument closely tied to the Knights Templar and Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Situated near the iconic Convent of Christ, this 18th-century pillar features the armillary sphere, symbolizing King Manuel I’s maritime achievements. Dive into the rich history and cultural significance of one of Portugal’s most treasured landmarks.

The Fortunes of João I’s Illegitimate Children: Afonso of Braganza & Beatrice of Portugal

King João I of Portugal, before his celebrated marriage to Philippa of Lancaster, fathered two notable children with Inês Pires, Afonso, later Duke of Braganza, and Beatrice, Countess of Arundel and later Countess of Huntingdon. Though born out of wedlock, both children rose to prominence in Portugal and abroad, each following a very different path through history.

João was the illegitimate son of King Pedro I of Portugal and a Galician noblewoman named Teresa, often identified as Teresa Lourenço. At the age of seven, in 1364, he was appointed Grand Master of the Order of Aviz, thanks to the influence of Nuno Freire de Andrade, the order’s Galician leader.

The Castle of Tomar, one of the most significant medieval fortifications in Portugal, stands as a testament to the military and architectural prowess of the Knights Templar. Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, the Grand Master of the Templars in Portugal, the castle played a crucial role in the Christian Reconquista and the defence of the newly established Portuguese territory against Moorish incursions. Central to its fortification were the formidable castle walls, designed to withstand prolonged sieges and to serve as a model of Templar military engineering.

The Blood Fountain (Fonte do Sangue) in Tomar is a historical site linked to the Siege of Tomar in 1190, when the Almohads attempted to capture the city from the Portuguese Templars. The name "Blood Fountain" is based on a legend, which claims that so many warriors died near the fountain during the siege that their blood flowed into the water, staining it red.

How the Templars Used Sally Ports in Siege Warfare

Beneath the towering walls of medieval fortresses, the Knights Templar employed a clever defensive feature: the sally port. These hidden exits allowed small groups of soldiers to launch surprise attacks, break sieges, or gather intelligence without alerting the enemy. Discover how this strategic architectural element played a vital role in Templar military tactics and castle defense across medieval Europe.

Did the Templars Escape from La Rochelle in 1307?

The mysterious disappearance of Templar ships from the port of La Rochelle on the eve of their arrest in 1307 has fuelled centuries of speculation. Did some of the Knights Templar flee by sea, evading capture by the French crown? From historical records to conspiracy theories, we explore what’s known—and what remains legend—about the Templars’ possible maritime escape and the enduring mystery surrounding their fate.

The River Nabão – A Source of Life in Tomar

Flowing through the heart of Tomar, the River Nabão has shaped the city's history, economy, and beauty for centuries. Once vital to the Knights Templar for powering mills and sustaining agriculture, the river remains a symbol of life and tranquility. Today, its scenic banks invite visitors to stroll, reflect, and connect with Tomar’s natural and cultural heritage.

Mouchão Park – Tomar’s Green Heart of Leisure and Culture

Nestled along the River Nabão, Mouchão Park isn’t just a place of natural beauty—it’s Tomar’s recreational and cultural hub. With shaded pathways, riverside views, a historic waterwheel, and open spaces for festivals and family outings, it’s where locals and visitors come to relax, play, and enjoy the rhythm of life in this historic city.

The Templar Battle Flag – A Field Marker of Power and Purpose

Bold and unmistakable, the Templar battle flag—black on one side, white on the other—was more than a symbol; it was a field marker that rallied knights and struck fear into enemies. Used during military campaigns, this flag represented the duality of the Templars' mission: purity of faith and readiness for war. Discover the origins, meaning, and battlefield role of this iconic banner.

The Synagogue of Tomar – A Hidden Gem of Jewish Heritage

Tucked away in the heart of Tomar’s old town, the Synagogue of Tomar is one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval Jewish sites. Built in the 15th century, this architectural treasure bears silent witness to the once-thriving Jewish community that contributed to Tomar’s cultural and economic life. Today, it stands as a powerful reminder of Portugal’s diverse heritage and the resilience of memory.

The Waterwheel of Tomar – A Medieval Marvel of Engineering

Set beside the peaceful River Nabão, the Waterwheel of Tomar is a lasting symbol of medieval ingenuity. Originally used by the Knights Templar to power grain mills and support agricultural productivity, this reconstructed structure offers a glimpse into the advanced engineering that helped sustain life in the city. A picturesque landmark and educational site, it connects Tomar’s past with its present.