Castelo de Bode and other Tomar, Portugal Things to Do Tips

The lake made by Castelo do Bode's dam with its islands and sandy beaches, very close to Tomar, is a good place for water sports or fishing, or just for a stop after visiting the city.

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World Heritage to UNESCO, this is the highlight of the town. Special attention must be given to the main door, the "Charola" a chapel inspired in eastern architecture, and above all, the Manueline window, considered the top of that Portuguese style. But even the cloisters and the functional area of the convent deserve your attention, if you have a good guide to explain you how things used to work.
In my recent visit the Charola was closed to maintenance, and could only be seen from the entrance. I don't know how long it will take, but you better be aware of that small drawback.

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Website: http://tomar2.com.sapo.pt/convento.html

Close to the Convent, and working as its entrance, allowing to see both monuments in a single visit, this stronghold from the 12th century still keeps some ow the ramparts and doors. As a passing way to the marvel of the Convent, I think that no one gives it the proper attention, but, in the way out, why not a closer look?

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Website: http://tomar2.com.sapo.pt/castelo.html

Right in the center of town, this church dating from the 15th century has been enriched with artworks until the 17th century, with special notes to some paintings from the 15th century.

Free visit from 8 to 19, except lunchtime and sunday afternoon.

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One of my memories from school was the strangeness of the nomination of a window (yes... a window) as one of our more remarkable monuments. Being part of a bigger (and beautiful) monument why was that window so special?
Well, it's really special, and fairly considered the top example of Manueline style. So, if you go to Convento de Cristo don't miss it. And BE careful about that, because in the maze of the convent, and amidst so many interesting spots, you risk to miss it. You know - it's only a window.

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You'll feel in a maze, passing from one cloister to another. But you will notice that they are all different, until you notice that you are in the upper floor of the same cloister you saw from below. At the end you will not be able to count how many cloisters did you visit (five, I think!). Don't worry! you will not get lost, and at the end you will appreciate the adventure.

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If you are keen of Portuguese traditional tiles, then this convent could not be your first destination (we have better tiles somewhere else). But, since you are there (and you MUST be there!), then the corridors and some cloisters will delight you.

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Though the highlight of the convent is the Manueline window, its more beautiful and surprising part is the Charola. Inspired in the eastern mosques seen by the crusades, this chapel is absolutely fabulous in its shape and decoration. Photos are somewhat restricted (no flash means dimmed light!) but I think that they may give an idea.

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Website: http://tomar2.com.sapo.pt/charola.html