Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival Church, Tomar

Discover the monumental Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival in Tomar, Portugal.

Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival, Tomar, Portugal

Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival Church
© Miguel H. Carriço

The Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival Church, located in the city of Tomar, was part of a Benedictine convent during the time of Nâbancia (a Roman village located south of Tomar, albeit traditionally confused with Tomar).

The temple was rebuilt by D. Gualdim Pais in 1160, turning the church in the Pantheon of the Knights Templar. The structure follows the model of other Portuguese churches of average size from the Gothic period.

The lateral chapels are the work of João de Catilho, famous architect with a vast number of works in Portugual, being it’s most important piece the Monasteiro dos Jerónimos in Lisbon.

The temple we see today dates back to the 12th century as is a perfect example of Portguese Gothic architecture.

The interior is divided in three naves. The church is wide and light-filled by a rosette in the main façade. The tombs of Gualdim Pais himself, as well as those of Master Lourenço Martins and D. Gil Martins.

In front of the church, you will find a big rectangular tower, where a tunnel is supposed to exists that leads to the castle of the Knights Templar in Tomar.

More information:

Location:

Estrada de Marmelais de Baixo, Tomar, Portugal.

Ticket price:

Free admission.

Opening hours:

October through April:

Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.

May through September:
Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00.

Recommended Excursions:

Mapa Interactivo:

Other worth-visiting nearby towns and cities:

Why "Portugal Travel"?

Portugal Travel is an organization of Portuguese agencies whose objectives are:

✓ To make Portugal, its culture and its heritage known.
✓ To promote sustainable tourism.

In collaboration with:

Escola Superior de Hotelaria e Turismo do Estoril

Turismo de Portugal