Templar Festival 2026 — The Foundation of the Castle, 1160

From 9 to 12 July 2026, the city of Tomar travels back to the year 1160 to celebrate one of the largest editions ever of the Templar Festival. This year's theme, "The Foundation of the Castle – 1160", evokes the moment when Dom Gualdim Pais, Grand Master of the Order of the Temple, began building the castle that would become the Templar headquarters in Portuguese territory.

Hosted for the first time at Tomar's new Urban Park, the historical reenactment spreads across the entire Templar Village, where visitors find craftsmanship, historical trades, Templar and Saracen encampments, animal farms, falconry, a medieval tournament ground and themed restaurants. Families with children have a dedicated area featuring the Squires' Castle and the Medieval Carousel.

Over the four days, knights, ladies, warriors and medieval figures animate the streets with reenactments, dances, processions and tournaments. The programme also includes a thematic seminar at the Convento de Cristo, reinforcing the historical and cultural component of this major event, which results from a partnership between the Municipality of Tomar, ADIRN, the Polytechnic Institute of Tomar and the Convento de Cristo.

The grounds open daily at 18:00. General admission costs €5 and is valid for all festival days, granting access to the park, dining areas and historical sites. Tickets purchased online must be exchanged for a wristband at the Levada de Tomar ticket office. Admission is free for children up to 10 years old.

Regarded as one of the country's largest historical reenactments, the Templar Festival is a must-see for travellers exploring central Portugal who want to immerse themselves in the medieval atmosphere that made this UNESCO-listed city famous.