OMCTH Pilgrimage to Tomar: Retracing Knights Templar History
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OMCTH Pilgrimage to Tomar
In July 2026, members of the (OMCTH) representing England embarked on a pilgrimage to Tomar, Portugal - the historical heartland of the Knights Templar in Iberia. Led by Grand Prior Sara Goldingham and organised in coordination with local dignitaries and Templar expert Darren Keohane of Templar Knights Tours, the journey blended historical immersion, cultural festivities, and solemn ceremonial participation.
Historical Context: Tomar and the Templar Legacy
Founded in 1160 by Templar Master Gualdim Pais, Tomar served as the central stronghold for the Knights Templar in Portugal. At its heart stands the iconic Charola, a round church modeled after Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Following the dissolution of the Templar Order in 1312, King Denis of Portugal reconstituted its members and assets into the newly created Order of Christ, allowing Tomar’s spiritual and military mission to continue unbroken. Under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator as Grand Master, the Order’s vast resources helped power Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, cementing the Convent of Christ as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Historic Tomar and the Medieval Festival
Walking Tour: The group gathered at the Gualdim Pais statue in Republic Square before exploring Tomar's significant landmarks, including the historic Synagogue, Saint John the Baptist Church, and the Church of Santa Maria D’Olival—the burial place of Gualdim Pais.
Templar Village & Festival: Attendees gained entry to the 3-day Templar Festival, featuring jousting tournaments, archery, birds of prey demonstrations, living history encampments, and live music.
Official Welcome: The day concluded with an outdoor medieval banquet hosted alongside the President of Tomar, Sr. Tiago Carrao, and delegates from international Templar orders.
Day 2: Almourol Castle and Medieval Gastronomy
Excursion to Almourol Castle: A short journey and boat trip brought pilgrims to Almourol Castle, a dramatic fortress built by Gualdim Pais on a rocky island in the Tagus River to serve as a strategic defensive outpost.
Traditional Dining: The day featured regional Portuguese gastronomy, including lunch at Ristaurante Almourol and an authentic medieval feast at Taverna Antiqua featuring salt cod, ham hock, and roasted beef.
Day 3: The Convent of Christ & Torchlit Procession
Convent of Christ & Charola: Guided educational lectures focused on the Siege of Tomar, European Templar history, and the Order's transition into the Age of Discoveries while visiting the UNESCO-listed architectural complex.
Night time Procession: At 22:00, pilgrims joined hundreds of Templars from across Europe in a ceremonial torchlit procession on horseback and on foot from the castle through the town center.
Memorial Service: The journey culminated at the Church of St. Maria D'Olival with the ceremonial lighting of the Tomar Cross and a packed Templar Mass, livestreamed to crowds gathered outside.
A Lasting Impact
The pilgrimage successfully combined academic depth, historical appreciation, and active participation in local heritage traditions. By standing alongside modern European counterparts and local Portuguese communities, the OMCTH delegation reaffirmed the enduring cultural and historical legacy of the Knights Templar in Tomar.