|
|
|
 |
The town of
Tomar in central Portugal, situated about 100 kilometres from Lisbon Airport and the Spanish border, is the heart of the country and the soul of historic Portugal.
Built on a simple grid pattern, Tomar is a handsome small town, split in two by the
Rio Nabão.
The original medieval town, which was
born inside the walls of the castle which was built in
1160 by Gualdim Pais, the fourth master of the order of the Temple,
are |
|
set out in a
grid pattern. Rua Serpa Pinta, or the 'Corredor' as it
is local known, is the main pedestrian
street in the old town and provides a stunning view up
to the castle. in summer the cobbled boulevard is a hub
for tourists and locals alike sipping cooling drinks at
the many outdoor cafe tables. |
 |
 |
 |
|
The Corredor |
Praça de
República |
Tomar
Tourist Train |
|
The castle sits a top a
hill dominating the skyline of Tomar and is visible from
just about every location in the town. The town is
steeped in history and there are visual references to
it's Templar past just about everywhere you wander.
Templar crosses are depicted in many of the marble
cobbled paths and masons have left their marks in
appreciation on some of the historic buildings - the
original form of graffiti.
Tomar council operates a 'tourist train'
which wends it's way through the narrow streets around
the town's historic and important monuments. The train
arrives and departs from the Praça de República.
Tomar is a
bustling cosmopolitan city with many boutique style
shops, high quality restaurants, modern art galleries
and a catalogue of festas and outdoor events throughout
the year. The most renowned festival in Tomar is the
Festa dos Tabuleiros,
which is only held once every four years.
Fresh fruit, vegetables, nuts, meat and
fish are on sale every day from the market situated next
to the Rio Nabão. However the large car park adjacent
turns into a mini tented city every Friday with stall
holders from all over the region setting up shop to sell
their wares. Whether you want your knives sharpened, a
grill for your barbecue making by the local blacksmith
or a tractor or you just simply want to soak up the
atmosphere a visit to the market makes for an enjoyable
day out. |
 |
 |
 |
|
River
Nabão |
Tomar Market |
Pegões Aqueduct |
|
|
