The Region of Tomar has very deep links with the Order of the Temple and the Order of Christ. These religious/military orders held vast swathes of land (some granted as favours), estates, oil presses, cereal growing land, vineyards and many other assets.

 

Notable examples of such assets are the Granja, Anunciada Velha and Cardiga estates. Donated to the Order of Christ in the 16th century, they served as spaces of leisure, prayer and convalescence for the monks.

 

One can also highlight the nearby Templar tower of the Church at Dornes and Almourol Castle as other important points of interest in the history of these religious orders that played such an important role in the affirmation of Portugal.