Today we drove further afield to Tomar about 1 1/2 hours from Mafra. Tomar is the home of the Knights Templar and the very large complex includes the Castle of the Knights Templar and the Convent of Christ. We meant to spend more time in the town but there is so much to see at the castle and the convent that we ran our of time and energy.
We arrived in Tomar around noon and first had lunch at an Italian restaurant. We parked close to the downtown area and were planning to walk up to the castle thinking there would not be parking close to the castle. We were wrong - there was much parking along the way -and the walk up was steep and uneven. But the castle and convent areas were very interesting.
First to town center to find a restaurant for lunch. Here is the main plaza.
It is a little chilly, but still there is outdoor dining.
Then we headed up to the castle and convent. A peak through the trees down to the church that is under repairs.
Then through the castle gate.
It is very impressive and so ornate.
And strange locals doing weird poses.
One of the inside garden areas.
Then finally going inside. There is much Muslim influence.
Knights of Templar symbolism.
Spiral staircase.
Both the architecture and the weather look stunning.
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