The management of the Convent located in Tomar, Santarém district, announced that areas with restricted access include the South Terrace (with access to Horta dos Frades), the south and east wings of the ground floor and first floor of the Main Cloister, the “Cera” Terrace of the Main Cloister, and the ground floor of the Cloister of Santa Bárbara.
These restrictions add to previously announced limitations, including the closure of the Templar Castle, the castle perimeter, garden access, and the pathway to the Mata dos Sete Montes since November 3, for an estimated period of at least four months. This is part of the rehabilitation of the Paço Henriquino, Alcáçova, and garden redevelopment, integrated into the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
Despite the restrictions, the Convent of Christ remains accessible to the public via the north façade.
The ongoing investment in the monument involves two main projects funded by the PRR, representing a total investment of €6.74 million.
The first project, focused on the conservation and restoration of the D. João III and Santa Bárbara Cloisters, was awarded for €1.6 million and began on July 29, 2025, with a contracted duration of 330 days and expected completion by June 30, 2026.
The second project, aimed at the rehabilitation of the Paço Henriquino, Alcáçova, Castle, and garden redevelopment – phase 1, commenced on September 1, 2025, with an investment of €3.9 million, a 300-day timeline, and is also expected to conclude by June 30, 2026.
The director of the Convent stated that the PRR-funded intervention will allow for the musealization and opening to the public of previously inaccessible areas of the castle, creating new forms of visitation and enhancing the comprehension of the Templar legacy.
According to Andreia Galvão, the monument should be regarded as an inseparable complex from the Templar Castle founded in 1160, a core that remains a key attraction for thousands of visitors.
An increase in visitor numbers is evident: from 312,000 in 2023 to over 349,000 in 2024, underscoring the growing interest in the UNESCO-listed site.
An official from the Convent of Christ’s management told Lusa that the progression of the works influences the lifting of restrictions, with no changes expected in the short term. The interventions are conducted in phases to minimize inconvenience to visitors.
