Knights of the Order of Christ’s Covent

Named after Jesus Christ (Convento de Cristo/Mosteiro de Cristo) is renown as being built by the Knights of the Order of Christ in 1160 CE. Reachable from Portugal’s capital on a day trip it’s a mystical place full of legends.

A good choice of photograph to wish all the readers here a Merry Christmas!

I hope you’ve enjoyed the past 11 days of photographs from around the world to take the stress out of the holidays. There’s one more tomorrow!

The story behind this photograph

The Convent of Christ was founded by the Order of Poor Knights of the Temple or as they became more popularly known as the “Templar Knights” in 1118. The convents construction continued until the latter part of the 12th century when it was completed by Grand Master Gualdim Pais.

The convent is built on a hill near the river Nabão. It contains architecture unlike any other convent in the world. There’s an outer defensive wall and a citadel with a keep inside. The keep consists of a central defensive tower. Town folk used to live along the outer wall.

I have visited here on many an occasion. It never ceases to be a beautiful day trip from Lisbon. The Templar architecture is unique with giant belts and buckles of stone wrapped around the central tower. A 16-side polygonal chapel surrounded by cloisters. There’s also a huge garden and grounds with all manner little paths.

Portugal is one of my favorite European destinations and the Convent of Christ one my favorite sights to visit. It was, after all, the first country at the start of this journey.

This is an additional photograph feature from my world travel photography gallery, documenting the story behind the picture 

Planning on booking a hotel room here?

Here are the best online rates guaranteed!

I recommend you try my own hotel search.

Please take a moment to share this photograph using your favorite social network