Up and walked into town - can't believe how close we are to all the main features of the city. Got chatting to an English couple from Somerset(Paul&Alison) who we will meet up with later for a meal. The city is on the river Nabao that was full of some sort of carp. Really picturesque area we are in. Walked through the town square and came across a statue of Gualdino Paes - a master Templar who was actually given the town of Sintra and the surrounding area by King Alfonso while he was still in Jerusalem digging under Temple Mount looking for the Holy Grail (scrolls). Tomar (the new Jerusalem) was the ultimate location that The Knights Templars wanted in Portugal. Once they obtained it Gualdino Paes said about building the Rotunda and reinforcing the castle that was in ruins. This is where we went next which was up the hill and also contained the convent of Christ which was a later addition. We spent hours in here as there was so much to see. It is believed that what ever they found under Temple Mount in Jerusalem was bought her to Tomar, as far away as possible at that time, from the church on Rome. We even managed to find the entrance to a cave and tunnel under the castle walls that goes to a chamber under the rotunda (mentioned in David's book) that is now overgrown since the picture in David's book was taken. The lintel above the entrance has a carved serpent and dragon on it but we couldn't get close enough to see that (all very Indian Jones!)
Wondered back to the campsite for a read and relax before heading out with Paul & Alison to a lovely little restaurant on the river. Back and into bed about midnight. With another list of must see places!!!!!!
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