Convent of Christ
Diogo de Arruda; João de Castilho; Diogo de Torralva; Filippo Terzi · Tomar, Portugal · 1591
The Convent of Christ at Tomar developed from a Templar stronghold into a major complex of the Order of Christ. Its round medieval church, later Manueline interventions and Renaissance cloisters preserve different stages of Portuguese religious and political history. Diogo de Arruda, João de Castilho, Diogo de Torralva and Filippo Terzi contributed to important later campaigns. The principal cloister offers a particularly clear contrast to the earlier church through its balanced elevations and circulation. The year in this record refers to the later Renaissance building campaign, while the origins of the site reach back to the twelfth century. Visiting: The complex was built over several centuries. The date records completion of the principal Renaissance cloister campaign rather than the original Templar rotunda. Restoration currently restricts access to some cloisters and terraces.