The evening was pleasantly warm. We just stepped out of the restaurant where we had a hearty evening meal with our tour group. In the middle of the narrow, dimly-lit, cobblestone street, we were wondering what else to do. We were too invigorated by the hearty meal to call it a night.

One end of the street seems to be brighter. There were people wandering about and we thought we heard the sound of thumping music. We knew where to go.

The statue of Dom Gualdim Pais, stood directly in front of the historic town hall, in the middle of Praca da República. He was the first Grand Master of the Knights Templar in Portugal and the founder of the city of Tomar in the year 1160.

The Castle of Tomar (Castelo de Tomar), built in 1160 by Dom Gualdim Pais, was illuminated at the hillside behind his statue. It was the headquarters for the Knights Templar in Portugal.

The Convent of Christ (Convento de Cristo) is a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by the fortified walls of the Castle of Tomar. We were going to visit the convent the next day.

The sound of thumping music got louder and louder. Soon, we were hearing loud “yays!” and laughter. Then the sound of pattering feet! A big group of children, around the ages of 8-12 years old, were led in dance and laughter by a very lively teenager.

It was a fun evening to spend at Praca da República in Tomar, Portugal!

Random photographs of our travels. Memories found and captured in a photograph.

Visit our Photo Gallery.