Conventual’s enclosure, which belonged initially to the Order of the Temple and passed, in the reign of D. Dinis, to the Order of Christ. It is one of the main monuments of the national architecture, where all the aesthetic stages, from 12th to 18th Century, are widely and deeply registered.

It was considered world-wide patrimony in 1984 by UNESCO. It is made of seven cloister and other buildings and contains inside notables architecture works.

Probably the Cloister of D João III, the main Cloister of the Convent, is the most monumental and beautiful work of the Renaissance, handled by architect Diogo de Torralva, who was responsible for another monument in Tomar, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição.

There are also the Cloister of Launderings and the Cloister of D. Henrique, that retrace to the first half 15th Century. The Cloister of St.ª Bárbara is almost jammed by the monumentality of the Chapter’s Window, which leans over it. You can also visit the Cloisters of Micha (1528), the Cloister of  Lodging-Houses (1541), constituted by two floors, and finally the Cloister of Crows.

We must point out two associated symbols of this splendorous convent; the window of the Chapter and Charola, an octagonal chapel.

For all these reasons and for the fabulous stroll that a visit to this enormous Convent provides, you can also enjoy wonderful sights on the city, it is essential to spend some time visiting this monument, discovering its history and its mysteries.

Entrance of the Convent | Room of the Court  | Lateral view of the Convent of Christ | Sculptures | Cloister of the Crows

Map of the Convent |  Garden of the Monks | Room of the Copysts

Old postcard - Gallery | Old postcard - Entrance of the Convent

Photos yielded by the Buildings and National Monuments General Department

Main Entrance of the Convent | Detailed photo of the main entrance | Atrium |Aereal photo

Rear photo

Translation: Cláudia Costa / Paulo Rodrigues

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