The Convent of Christ is a former Roman Catholic convent in Tomar, Portugal. Originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold, when the order was dissolved in the 14th century the Portuguese branch was turned into the Knights of the Order of Christ, that later supported Portugal’s maritime discoveries of the 15th century.

In the 12th century, King Afonso Henriques donated the region around Tomar to the Knights Templar, and they founded a convent famed for its round church.

This UNESCO site is indispensible, both for what you can see and what it represents.

It is separated from modern Tomar, far above the town and the Nabão River, on a promontory, and defended by a castle and walls.

There’s Gothic, Manueline and Renaissance architecture in the church, chapterhouse and cloister that will leave you spellbound.

When the Knights Templar was dissolved in the 14th century the Order of Christ replaced it, and used its enormous wealth to fund voyages in the Age of Discovery.