Keeping the Faith: Why I Started a Templar Tour Company in Tomar

When you walk through the gates of the Castle and Convent of Christ in Tomar, you can feel the weight of history. For centuries, this city was the beating heart of the Knights Templar in Portugal. Their legacy isn't just carved into the stone of the Charola or the famous castle walls; it’s woven into the very fabric of the streets.

For 20 years, I have been completely captivated by this history—the myths, the architecture, and the sheer grit of the Templars. It became a passion that I couldn't keep to myself. I didn't just want to visit Tomar; I wanted to help others truly see it. That passion is exactly why, in 2025, I took the leap and opened my own tour business here. Like any new venture, it has been a journey filled with both rewarding milestones and real-world learning curves.

The Highs: Connection, Community, and Deep Roots

The ultimate reward of this journey has been the people. When you run a tour out of genuine love for the subject, you attract people who share that energy. I’ve welcomed travellers from all over the world, and many who started as clients have walked away as lifelong friends. There is nothing quite like the spark in someone’s eyes when you share a piece of history they’ve never heard before.

But the connections have grown even deeper than just guiding travellers; they’ve woven into my local life here. Recently, a local history teacher reached out to me, sharing how word of mouth about my tours and passion for Tomar had spread through mutual friends.

In a beautiful twist of small-town life, our connections went much deeper: our daughters are actually friends at school, where her teacher constantly speaks so highly of my daughter's incredible talent. Getting that validation from a fellow educator who truly appreciates the work it takes to keep our rich heritage alive was wonderful. It was also a true privilege to march alongside him in the procession during the Templar Festival, reminding me of the beautiful, supportive community we are building here.

The Challenges: Navigating a Competitive Industry

Of course, building a business from the ground up always comes with a few growing pains. The tourism industry in a historic hotspot like Tomar is highly competitive, and as a new independent operator, making a place for yourself takes time and resilience.

From navigating standard professional rivalries to dealing with online challenges, like competitors copying our branding to capture market share, it hasn't always been smooth sailing. It can be tough to face those kinds of obstacles when your goal is simply to contribute positively to the local economy. But just like the historical figures we talk about on our tours, facing challenges is just part of the story. It forces you to find your grit, focus on your own lane, and let the quality of your work do the talking.

Overcoming the Doubters and Gaining Official Recognition

Growth and change naturally bring out a bit of skepticism, and we saw this firsthand during the evolution of the Templar Festival. There was plenty of debate and hesitation when the city decided to permanently transform the old motorhome park into the main showground, especially with the introduction of venue entry fees. Many worried the ticket price would turn people away, but the initiative turned out to be a brilliant success. It drew huge crowds, breathed incredible energy into the event, and gave the festival the grand stage it deserves.

Proving the doubters wrong is always satisfying, but the true turning point for us came from a place of collaboration and official support. We received a tremendous amount of help from the OSMTH right here in Tomar. Working alongside them allowed us to forge a powerful new international friendship, uniting people across borders who share the exact same reverence for this history. Our efforts to bring a genuine international dimension to Tomar's heritage were officially recognised at the highest local level.

On behalf of the Mayor of Tomar, the Municipality expressed its official gratitude for the participation of Templar Knights Tours Tomar and members of the Ordo Militum Christi et Templi Hierosolyma (OMCTH) in the festival.

The President’s office warmly welcomed our international delegation, noting that our presence significantly enriched the authenticity, the international dimension, and the spirit of this emblematic celebration. Hearing from the Municipality that our dedication is a "valuable contribution to the affirmation of our city as a world reference" was an incredible honour. It showed that despite any initial friction or industry noise, our vision for a more inclusive, globally connected Tomar is making a real impact.

You can attempt to discredit legitimate businesses online, but you can't take away true authenticity!

What This Means for Tomar

Healthy competition and strong partnerships are exactly what keep Tomar vibrant. It pushes all of us to step up our game, move past the same old scripts, and bring fresh energy to the table. By committing to authentic, international storytelling and building global friendships, independent businesses raise the bar for tourism across the city.

Tomar is growing, and its future depends on sustainable, passionate, licensed tourism. The city deserves professional guides and organisations who care deeply about the integrity of its history.

Looking back on the wild ride since 2025, the rewards have infinitely outweighed the hurdles. Every friendship made, every breakthrough moment on a tour, the support from the OSMTH, and the incredible honour of marching with the OMCTH reminds me why I chose Tomar.

The Templars left a legacy of resilience, and I’m proud to keep that spirit alive today.