Portugal Attractions: Igreja de São João Baptista, Tomar
Igreja de São João Baptista, Tomar
The Igreja de São João Baptista (Church of John the Baptist) in Tomar, is located right in the centre of the city in Praça da República.
Tomar is certainly more famous for the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Convento de Cristo but this fine church should also be on your list of things to do in the town.
History
Igreja de São João Baptista (aka Igreja Matriz de Tomar) dates from the 16th century. Henry the Navigator commission its construction adding stucco and carved woodwork to the interior.
The church includes a handsome Manueline doorway and a fine octagonal bell tower. The bell tower contains a 16th century clock, one of the finest examples of its kind in Portugal.
The exterior of the church is decorated with further Manueline motifs, such as the armillary sphere (the symbol of the "Age of the Discoveries" and the Templar Cross. Inside the church are paintings by Gregório Lopes (1490-1550), considered one of Portugal's finest painters of his time.
As well as the beautiful paintings by Lopes, the interior is noted for its three naves and 17th-century diamond-point azulejos.
The Praça da República, where the Igreja de São João Baptista stands, is also home to the 17th century Town Hall, a couple of popular pavement cafes and a modern statue of Gualdim Pais, the founder of the Convento de Cristo and the city of Tomar itself.
Access & Hours
Igreja de São João Baptista
Praça da República
Tomar
Hours: 8 am - 7 pm; closed Monday (though check with the Tourist Office for the latest opening times)
Admission: Free; (donations accepted)
Another important church in Tomar is the Templar Church of Santa Maria do Olival. The Church of Santa Maria do Olival dates from around 1160 and was built by Gualdim Pais.