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Registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage List since December 1983, the Convent of the Order of Christ and the Templar’s Castle, in Tomar, is a unique monumental complex of its kind, incorporating various artistic tendencies: Romanic, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance art and Mannerism. 

The castle was originally founded in 1160 by Dom Gualdim Pais, the Provincial Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal. After extinction of the order in the early 14th century, the Templars continued their sacred mission of knighthood in Tomar.

Under the auspices of D. Dinis, the “Order of the Knights of Christ” was founded and following recognition by the Holy See, it incorporated persons and assets from the extinct Templar Order. 

With the aid of the Order of Christ, Portugal embarked on the endeavour of the Maritime Discoveries in the 15th century. Tomar was the Order’s headquarters and Prince Henry the Navigator, was its Master.

The Abbey of Alcobaça, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of Europe’s most important Cistercian abbeys, given its state of conservation and its architecture, symbolic of the order.

Founded in 1153, following a donation made by King Afonso Henriques to Bernardo de Claraval, building work formally began in 1178.

The monastery was to become the greatest example of early Portuguese Gothic style, subsequently expanded and embellished through successive royal endowments.

In 1382, King Dinis commissioned the Cloister of Silence, and an additional floor was added during the reign of King Manuel, who also ordered construction of the so-called Manueline Sacristy.

Both of these projects were overseen by the architect, João de Castilho.

The Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória (Monastery of Batalha), was built after a vow made by King João I to thank the Virgin Mary for Portugal’s victory over Spain in the battle of Aljubarrota.

It is one of Europe’s most beautiful monastery complexes from the late Middle Ages.

Building work began in 1386, under the supervision of Master Afonso Domingues.

On completion the monastery was handed over to the Dominican Order.

It subsequently served as a pantheon for the Aviz dynasty and building work was only finally completed in 1517.

As an important testament to late Gothic and Manueline architectural styles, it is graced by a remarkable set of mediaeval stainedglass windows. 

The monastery has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1983.

The National Railway Museum is a collective living space for knowledge sharing and discussion, of which opens to all as a space for reflection and investigation into relations between the cultural heritage and the historic, symbolic and technological role of rail transport in Portugal.

We manage a vast legacy of more than 150 years. We have one of the best railway heritage collections in Europe.

The museum’s collection has 36.000 objects, big and small, dating from the very beginning of the steam locomotive to the present.

Here you will find real national treasures, wonderful engines that travelled through history and challenge visitors to repeat the experience by returning to the museum.

We are housed in the railway complex in Entroncamento, covering an area of 4, 5 hectares.

Our permanent exhibition is located within distinguished railway buildings.

We offer you a memorable experience! Come and visit us!

 

 

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Special event

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16^th, 17^th and 18^th september

The three days of the Festival guarantee entertainment for everyone, including concerts, artistic performances, Crafts Fair Steampunk, a Victorian Carousel, mini-train rides, exhibitions, board games, duels, railway models and street food, always in the company of the Lisbon Steampunk League.

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