About this experience
During this car tour, you will visit those cities and places in Portugal where the spirit of the Middle Ages is still preserved. I will introduce you to magnificent monuments of Western European architecture, which witnessed the most important events in Portuguese history. You will hear legends and facts about Moorish and Christian monarchs, Cistercians and Templars, as well as about local Romeos and Juliets. You will ponder the mystery of the Tomar Window and try the famous Portuguese liqueur - ginjinha.
What to expect
Picturesque Óbidos
The program will start with a visit to one of the oldest cities in Portugal - Óbidos. Here is located the magnificent castle, and the city itself is surrounded by medieval crenellated walls. For several centuries, Portuguese kings presented it as a wedding gift to their loved ones. For many years, Óbidos was ruled by queens, which had a beneficial effect on its development and appearance. Strolling through the narrow medieval streets, you will hear interesting stories and legends about Moorish and Christian princesses, queens and ordinary women who left their mark in the city's history. Here you can also try the famous Portuguese ginjinha - cherry liqueur in chocolate cups, which is almost impossible to resist.
The first Gothic building in Portugal
Next, you will head to the country's first Cistercian abbey - Santa Maria de Alcobaça. The monastery, striking in its size, was founded by the first King of Portugal in 1153 after a decisive victory over the Moors. This is one of the largest structures in the history of the Cistercians and the first Gothic building in Portugal. The abbey owned 13 cities, and its lands covered about 500 sq.km. You will learn about the role of the Bernardine monks in the economic and cultural development of the state, and hear the amazing love story of local Romeos and Juliets, buried - like many royal figures - in this monastery church.
Architectural masterpiece - Santa Maria da Vitória
In the city of Batalha, you will see a grand monument built in honor of the victory of the Portuguese people in the struggle for independence against the Spanish conquerors. Legend has it that King of Portugal João I made a promise after the decisive battle of Aljubarrota to found a monastery and dedicate it to the Holy Virgin Mary the Victorious. During the tour, you will explore the architecture of this amazing abbey, which combines two styles - severe Gothic and lacey Manueline, and hear interesting historical facts about Santa Maria da Vitória, where the remains of Henry the Navigator and other representatives of the Aviz dynasty are buried.
Templar Castle and the Order of Christ Monastery
You will feel the mystical spirit of the Templars in the city of Tomar. The local castle was built by order of the Grand Master of the local branch of the Temple Order in 1160 and was the most modern military construction of that time. During the persecutions of the Templars, the castle became a refuge for many knights-templars, and then passed into the ownership of the Order of Christ - the successor to all the spiritual and material riches of the Templars. You will see a real alchemical vessel - the round church-rotunda Charola, in which secret messages of the Knights of the Temple are encrypted. On the western facade of the new church, you will encounter a real gem of Portuguese Manueline - the famous Tomar Window "janela": you will try to solve the mystery of this world-famous attraction during the tour.
Organizational details
Entrance tickets and transport costs are paid separately.
- Santa Maria de Alcobaça Monastery - €10 per person.
- Santa Maria da Vitória Monastery in Batalha - €10 per person.
- Templar Castle and the Order of Christ Monastery in Tomar - €10 per person.
Cost of car tour for traveler - €200 for 1-7 people
