Skip to content

Questions about Convent of Christ (Tomar)

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was the Convent of Christ in Tomar established by the Order of Poor Knights of the Temple?

The Order of Poor Knights of the Temple established a castle in Tomar in 1118. Construction continued until the final part of the 12th century.

Who founded the Order of Christ to replace the Templars at the Convent of Christ in Tomar?

Pope John XXII instituted the Order of Christ on the 14th of March 1319 following King Denis's request. Portuguese members transferred their assets and partial membership to this new entity after the Templar order had been suppressed across most of Europe between 1312 and 1314.

Which architect designed the Manueline style nave of the Convent of Christ in Tomar starting in 1510?

Architects Diogo de Arruda and Juan de Castillo designed the new section of the nave beginning in 1510. The style blended late Gothic elements with emerging Renaissance features known as the Manueline style.

What event occurred within the Convent of Christ in Tomar during 1581 regarding Philip II of Spain?

Portuguese nobility gathered within the Convent of Christ in Tomar in 1581 to officially recognize Philip II of Spain as King Philip I of Portugal. This event marked the beginning of the Iberian Union lasting until 1640.

When did construction begin on the Romanesque round church at the Convent of Christ in Tomar?

The Romanesque round church emerged in the second half of the 12th century by Knights Templar. From outside, the structure formed a 16-sided polygon with strong buttresses.