Portugal, a country rich in history and traditions, is home to numerous hidden treasures. Among them, the Rota dos Templários stands out, a route that dates back to medieval times and leads visitors on a journey full of mysteries and legends. Along this route, you can explore fascinating sites, learn about the history of the Order of the Knights Templar and unravel the secrets surrounding this mysterious organisation.

It is worth discovering the Templar heritage in Portugal and its importance in the formation and growth of the country.

What is the Order of the Knights Templar?

Founded in 1119, the Order of the Knights Templar was a religious-military organisation, composed of warrior-monks and auxiliaries, and one of the most powerful and influential in the Middle Ages. Its initial mission was to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land (now Israel, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt). It was created by a group of nine French knights, led by Hugues de Payens, Grand Master (supreme leader) of the order, who had the power to establish strategies, decide on the fates of the troops and take measures to ensure the safety of the pilgrims along the route.

Bernard of Clairvaux wrote down the principles that governed this order. The Templars were pioneers in several areas, such as finance and trade, accumulating vast wealth over time. Most importantly, they were a bridge between the Christian West and the Muslim East.

The Order of Knights Templar in Portugal

In Portugal, the Order of the Knights Templar was established in the 12th century, playing a fundamental role in the defence of borders, and in the conquest and consolidation of the territory. The first place associated with the Knights Templar is Soure Castle, located in the central region of the country. From then on, the order expanded and established various commendas and fortifications throughout Portuguese territory. One of the order's most important preceptors in Portugal, Gualdim Pais, was an important ally of Dom Afonso Henriques, Portugal's first king and founder.

From the Christian Reconquest to the Portuguese Discoveries

The Order of the Knights Templar played a crucial role in the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula, contributing to the creation of the country's borders as we know them today. For centuries, the Iberian Peninsula was under Muslim rule, and the Order of the Knights Templar was instrumental in combating this occupation, helping to recover territories and strengthen the Christian kingdoms.

The Reconquest in Portugal took place from the North to the South and the Order of the Knights Templar played an essential role in populating, conquering and defending the territory. The Knights Templar's power of shock, discipline and complete devotion to the Catholic-Christian cause made them elite warriors who made the difference on the battlefields or in sieges of castles and fortifications. They also served as advisors to the king, the nobility and the clergy.

After the dissolution of the Knights Templar Order in 1312, as a consequence of persecutions and political intrigues (started in France and then sanctioned by the Vatican), the Order of Christ was created in Portugal. It took over some of the principles, goods, and members of the old order. The Order of Christ played a crucial role in the Portuguese Discoveries of the 15th and 16th centuries, financing and supporting maritime expeditions that led to the discovery of new sea routes to the Orient, as well as the expansion of the Portuguese empire.

The Knights Templar Route in Portugal

The Templar Route in Portugal offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the history and mysteries of the Order of the Knights Templar. By exploring the different places along this route, visitors have the chance to visit and get a close look at the imposing architecture of the Templar fortresses, to unveil the secrets hidden in the symbols and structures of the castles, and to understand the historical legacy left by this order.

In addition, the Templar Route in Portugal provides an immersion in the country's medieval culture and traditions. Visitors have the opportunity to experience the historical atmospheres, to walk through the narrow streets of the ancient cities and to admire the beauty of the natural landscapes that surround these places.

Exploring this route allows visitors to ponder the historical and cultural impact of the Knights Templar in Portugal, as well as to investigate the enigmas surrounding their existence.

Tomar and the Castle of the Knights Templar

One of the most emblematic points on the Templar Route is the city of Tomar, located in central Portugal. It was there that the Knights Templar found their definitive home after the order's dissolution in 1312. Tomar Castle, known as the Templars' Castle, is an imposing fortress that sheltered the knights and became the headquarters of the Order of Christ, which succeeded the Templars in Portugal.

The Convent of Christ in Tomar

Inside Tomar Castle is the Convent of Christ, an architectural jewel that blends Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance styles. This remarkable building was erected by the Knights Templars and later modified by the Knights of the Order of Christ. The Convent of Christ is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses a rich art collection, as well as revealing various symbolisms linked to the Knights Templars.

Almourol Castle

Almourol Castle, set majestically on a small island in the Tagus River, is one of the most emblematic treasures of the Templar Route in Portugal. This medieval fortress, erected in the 12th century by the Knights Templar, stands out as a symbol of their influence and power in the region. The castle, due to its strategic location, served as a crucial defensive line along the river, protecting Christian territory and controlling access to the city of Tomar.

You can take a tour of the Knights Templar from Lisbon, which visits these important places.

Other Templar sites in Portugal

Besides Tomar and Almourol Castle, we have Pombal Castle, an imposing construction that was part of the border defence system on the Mondego. Or the castle of Monsanto and its chapel of São Pedro de Vira-Corça. And also Soure Castle, which with its imposing stone walls, watchtowers and strategic hilltop position evokes an atmosphere of times gone by, taking visitors on a journey through the region's fascinating history.

These sites provide a unique experience for visitors, allowing them to inquire into the military strategies and influence of the Templars in the region. Traces of the Knights Templar are scattered all over Portugal, especially in the centre and north of the country.