Aqueduto de Pegoes and other Tomar, Portugal Things to Do Tips

The aqueduct is what I'll remember most about my trip to Tomar. Driving right up the base of it was one of the coolest sights I've seen. I was surprised to see that you could actually climb up onto the aqueduct and walk along the ancient stones. Its mere size will impress any visitor and the valley that it spans makes a perfect and peaceful location for this amazing sight. The aqueduct was built to bring water to Tomar's Convento de Cristo and boasts 180 arches that gracefully support the massive structure.

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Directions: off of Rua de Leiria

The convent that sits on the hill over Tomar is full of interesting architectural highlights including a church and various cloisters, but I only know that because I read about it in a guidebook! Go check it out for yourself and let me know how it looks in person.

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Rua Serpa Pinto is the main shopping street in Tomar and also one of the most picturesque spots in town. As you walk down the hill and cross the Rio Nabao into the Old Quarter, walk down this street toward Praça da Republica and take notice of the interesting signs hanging from the sides of the buidlings. You'll also notice the walls of the convent on the hill in front of you as well as some great window displays in some of the various shops. It's also a great place to grab a pastry or an ice cream and sit on a bench and do some people watching.

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This square just below the mountain in the Old Quarter is decorated with typical Portuguese flair. The patterned cobblestones and the large space provide a pleasant place to people watch or to observe the city's most important church, Igreja de Sao Joao Baptista.

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This church located at Praça da Republica is worth a look. When we visited there was a young guy in the back taking a survey. He just wanted to know what country we were from and he recorded the information in a small ledger book. I wonder what he was doing with those statistics? Anyway, there were no restrictions on photography inside, but it was probably too dark to get any really great shots. You'll find some impressive Manueline doorways and some interesting paintings inside. The church dates to the 15th century.

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There are some impressive architectural details to admire in Tomar including this Manueline doorway. Also, be sure to visit the best preserved Medieval synagogue in Portugal at the Museu Luso-Hebraico Abraham Zacuto on Rua Dr Joaquim 73. For more information of what to see, go to the turismo at Avenida Dr Candido Madureira, which is open from 9 am to 8 pm in high season adn 10-6 in the winter. There is another tourist office on Rua Serpa Pinto 1 that will give you information on the whole region.

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