Templar Castle
Castelo Templário, Tomar 2300 - Portugal
Phone: +351 249 313 481 - Fax: +351 249 322 730
|
Share |
Map |
|
|
|
The Tomar Castle was built in 1160 by the first Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Gualdim Pais, on land bestowed by Portugal’s first king Afonso Henriques for services in battles against the Moors. It formed part of a defensive system designed to protect the young Christian kingdom. The castle consisted of an outer defensive wall, citadel and a keep with a prison. When the town of Tomar was founded most inhabitants lived within the walls. Amongst the innovations introduced by the Knights to Portuguese military architecture were the keep and circular, rather than rectangular, towers.
|
|
|
|
|
