Culture & History: The Convent of Christ is one of Portugal’s most important monuments. It’s a grand historic complex founded in 1160 as a Knights Templar stronghold. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983, it spans over seven centuries of architecture, blending Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles. The city layout is steeped in Templar symbolism.

Nature Highlights: The Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes (Seven Hills National Forest), which served as a contemplative retreat for the knights.

Running: Running through the Sete Montes forest is like running through a living museum. Also, the riverside path along the Nabão River is beautiful and cool in the mornings.

Clubs: Thomar Athletics is an athletics and triathlon team, focused on personal growth, sports training, and community running events.
Katsu Run Club is a community-focused social running and walking group, that organizes regular weekly and sunset runs (typically around 5km) alongside social events like brunch meetups, padel tournaments, and solidarity walks.

Events : The Thomar Urban Race makes its debut on 17 October 2026, inviting runners to discover the historic city of Tomar through a unique urban trail experience. Combining sport, culture and heritage, the 15 km course takes participants through some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Aqueduct of Pegões, Mata dos Sete Montes, Castle of the Knights Templar and the Convent of Christ surroundings.

The Thomar Urban Race is open to both federated and non-federated athletes and promises a challenging yet accessible course with medium technical difficulty and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of the city.

Eat/Buy: Local pastry Fatias de Tomar for a sugar hit; for healthy meals, check the local “Prato do Dia” at riverside cafes for fresh grilled fish and veggies.

Sleep: Hotel dos Templários overlooks the Nabão River and the park. It offers spacious rooms and features a spa and lagoon-style pool with views of Tomar Citadel.