Welcome to Blue Lake House
Historic Sites
The cityscape of Tomar is dominated to its west by the vast monumental complex of the Convent of Christ as it stands at the top of a hill. It's the main feature of the city’s identity, the unity of which has been preserved. The Convent is surrounded by the walls of the Castle of Tomar. It belonged to the Order of the Templars and was founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, grandmaster of the Knights Templar.
Built over the span of five centuries, the Convent of Christ is a testimony to architecture combining Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque elements. The Convent’s centrepiece is its 12th-century rotunda, Oratory of the Templars, influenced by Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre Rotunda. It was built by the first great master of the Templars, Gualdim Pais, and was based on a polygonal ground plan of 16 bays including an octagonal choir with ambulatory: this is one of the typical "Rotondas" of Templar architecture of which few examples are still extant in Europe. In 1356, the Convent became the home of the Order of Christ in Portugal and the rotunda’s decoration reflects the Order’s wealth. The paintings and frescos depicting mainly 16th-century biblical scenes, as well as the gilt statuary under the Byzantine dome were carefully restored. When the Manueline church was built, it was connected to the rotunda by an arcade. Absolutely amazing, a must-see.
123 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Convento de Cristo
8 Estrada do ConventoThe cityscape of Tomar is dominated to its west by the vast monumental complex of the Convent of Christ as it stands at the top of a hill. It's the main feature of the city’s identity, the unity of which has been preserved. The Convent is surrounded by the walls of the Castle of Tomar. It belonged to the Order of the Templars and was founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, grandmaster of the Knights Templar.
Built over the span of five centuries, the Convent of Christ is a testimony to architecture combining Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque elements. The Convent’s centrepiece is its 12th-century rotunda, Oratory of the Templars, influenced by Jerusalem’s Holy Sepulchre Rotunda. It was built by the first great master of the Templars, Gualdim Pais, and was based on a polygonal ground plan of 16 bays including an octagonal choir with ambulatory: this is one of the typical "Rotondas" of Templar architecture of which few examples are still extant in Europe. In 1356, the Convent became the home of the Order of Christ in Portugal and the rotunda’s decoration reflects the Order’s wealth. The paintings and frescos depicting mainly 16th-century biblical scenes, as well as the gilt statuary under the Byzantine dome were carefully restored. When the Manueline church was built, it was connected to the rotunda by an arcade. Absolutely amazing, a must-see.
The church was built in the second half of the 12th century by the provincial master of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal, Gualdim Pais. It was used as a burial place for the Knights Templar of Tomar and, later, by the Knights of the Order of Christ, which succeeded the Templars in the 14th century. Gualdim Pais is buried in the church, and his original tomb slab, dated from 1195 and bearing a gothic inscription, is still preserved inside.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Igreja de Santa Maria do Olival
Rua Aquiles da Mota LimaThe church was built in the second half of the 12th century by the provincial master of the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal, Gualdim Pais. It was used as a burial place for the Knights Templar of Tomar and, later, by the Knights of the Order of Christ, which succeeded the Templars in the 14th century. Gualdim Pais is buried in the church, and his original tomb slab, dated from 1195 and bearing a gothic inscription, is still preserved inside.
Templária tower Dornes (sec. XII)
10 R. Nossa Sra. do PrantoConvento de Cristo
8 Estrada do ConventoRiver Beaches
Lago Azul fluvial beach is a short 5-minute walk from Blue Lake House. there you can enjoy various water sports: from kayak rides, wakeboarding, wake surfing, jet skiing or even windsurfing. The fluvial floating pool offers a safe area for all bathers, as it has surveillance and a first-aid post. It has a bar/restaurant that supports the pool, as well as toilets and an access ramp for people with reduced mobility.
Praia Fluvial do Lago Azul
Lago Azul fluvial beach is a short 5-minute walk from Blue Lake House. there you can enjoy various water sports: from kayak rides, wakeboarding, wake surfing, jet skiing or even windsurfing. The fluvial floating pool offers a safe area for all bathers, as it has surveillance and a first-aid post. It has a bar/restaurant that supports the pool, as well as toilets and an access ramp for people with reduced mobility.
At a mere 20-minute drive distance from Blue Lake House, you'll find the Bairrada/Bairradinha river beach. This beach is located on the border between the municipalities of Tomar and Ferreira do Zêzere and it has the particularity of being the only beach with sand in Castelo do Bode. No amenities, just a small bar and toilets available, but you can drive your car to the beach. Very popular among locals.
Plus code: JQX5+FC Ferreira do Zêzere
Beach Bairradinha
At a mere 20-minute drive distance from Blue Lake House, you'll find the Bairrada/Bairradinha river beach. This beach is located on the border between the municipalities of Tomar and Ferreira do Zêzere and it has the particularity of being the only beach with sand in Castelo do Bode. No amenities, just a small bar and toilets available, but you can drive your car to the beach. Very popular among locals.
Plus code: JQX5+FC Ferreira do Zêzere
Praia Fluvial de Fernandaires
Fluvial beach of Zaboeira
Watersports
Lago Azul Marina offers several water sports: Wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, boat trips, boat rentals and Ringo rides. Lago Azul Marina also offers a bar and a restaurant with a large balcony that supports the club activities, as well as toilets and an access ramp for people with reduced mobility.
+ 351 249 362 239
Clube nautico lago azul
Lago Azul Marina offers several water sports: Wakeboarding, water skiing, jet skiing, canoeing, kayaking, boat trips, boat rentals and Ringo rides. Lago Azul Marina also offers a bar and a restaurant with a large balcony that supports the club activities, as well as toilets and an access ramp for people with reduced mobility.
+ 351 249 362 239
Lago Azul Wakeboard Cable Park is located next to Blue Lake House and Lago Azul Nautical Club. In this park, you can venture yourself on a wakeboard for the first time or if you are already an experienced wakeboarder you can master your air manoeuvres on the ramps before getting yourself on a boat. Equipment is rented on the spot and lots of fun is guaranteed.
Book here: https://booking.wakeboardportugal.com/
Wakeboard Portugal Lago Azul Cable Park
Lago Azul Wakeboard Cable Park is located next to Blue Lake House and Lago Azul Nautical Club. In this park, you can venture yourself on a wakeboard for the first time or if you are already an experienced wakeboarder you can master your air manoeuvres on the ramps before getting yourself on a boat. Equipment is rented on the spot and lots of fun is guaranteed.
Book here: https://booking.wakeboardportugal.com/
Trízio
City/town information
Its city, former seat of the Order of the Knights Templars and the Convent of the Order of Christ (Convento de Cristo), is one of the most important artworks of the Renaissance in Portugal and is classified as a World Heritage Site.
The oldest urban area is medieval and organized in the shape of a cross, oriented and aligned with the cardinal points, with a convent at each end.
You'll find traditional trade shops and old cafés, where you can taste the city's delicacies.
There's a busy market each Friday morning next to the city river.
88 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tomar
Its city, former seat of the Order of the Knights Templars and the Convent of the Order of Christ (Convento de Cristo), is one of the most important artworks of the Renaissance in Portugal and is classified as a World Heritage Site.
The oldest urban area is medieval and organized in the shape of a cross, oriented and aligned with the cardinal points, with a convent at each end.
You'll find traditional trade shops and old cafés, where you can taste the city's delicacies.
There's a busy market each Friday morning next to the city river.
Dornes, a village witnessing the past, a place of meditation for the Templars in the 13th century. The church "Nossa Senhora do Pranto" was erected in 1513. This small village is a legacy of the past, a little gem by the lake and one of Portugal’s seven most beautiful places. Tower of Dornes (Classified Heritage) An unusual pentagonal tower of roman foundation, used by the Templars as a watchtower, in the 12th century. It is considered the first of its kind in Portugal. Due to its location near the church of Dornes it was later adapted to a church bell tower.
GPS N39° 46,291' / W8° 16,165’
25 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nossa Senhora do Pranto
Dornes, a village witnessing the past, a place of meditation for the Templars in the 13th century. The church "Nossa Senhora do Pranto" was erected in 1513. This small village is a legacy of the past, a little gem by the lake and one of Portugal’s seven most beautiful places. Tower of Dornes (Classified Heritage) An unusual pentagonal tower of roman foundation, used by the Templars as a watchtower, in the 12th century. It is considered the first of its kind in Portugal. Due to its location near the church of Dornes it was later adapted to a church bell tower.
GPS N39° 46,291' / W8° 16,165’
Food scene
Lúria is one of the best-known restaurants in the region parading fine regional dishes and traditional Portuguese cuisine. Opened in 1979 and the name means "haven of rabbits”.
Surely a must, an unforgettable gastronomic experience. We strongly recommend making your table reservation before going.
Rua da Alegria nº 34 Portela São Pedro de Tomar, Tomar 2300-182 Portugal
+351 967 003 076
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Restaurante A luria
34 R. da AlegriaLúria is one of the best-known restaurants in the region parading fine regional dishes and traditional Portuguese cuisine. Opened in 1979 and the name means "haven of rabbits”.
Surely a must, an unforgettable gastronomic experience. We strongly recommend making your table reservation before going.
Rua da Alegria nº 34 Portela São Pedro de Tomar, Tomar 2300-182 Portugal
+351 967 003 076
Situated in the centre of the city of Tomar and with a splendid view over the river Nabão, the restaurant A Bela Vista stands out for its unmistakable typicality.
Open since 1922, at Bela Vista you can enjoy the best of the typical gastronomy of Tomar and the Portuguese regional cuisine.
Book a table on the terrace and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the river Nabão with a view of the old town, castle and Convent of Christ.
R. Marquês de Pombal N°68, Tomar
+ 351 249 312 870
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Restaurante Bela Vista
N°68 R. Marquês de PombalSituated in the centre of the city of Tomar and with a splendid view over the river Nabão, the restaurant A Bela Vista stands out for its unmistakable typicality.
Open since 1922, at Bela Vista you can enjoy the best of the typical gastronomy of Tomar and the Portuguese regional cuisine.
Book a table on the terrace and enjoy a beautiful sunset over the river Nabão with a view of the old town, castle and Convent of Christ.
R. Marquês de Pombal N°68, Tomar
+ 351 249 312 870
With a philosophy based on the best practices of typical Portuguese cuisine, the restaurant's proposals reveal an enormous inspiration. River fish, as well as quality meats, are a constant at the table of this restaurant, honoured and recreated in every dish, every season of the year. Book a terrace table in advance.
R. Guilherme de Pavia 135, 2240-611 Dornes
+351 918 531 841
O Rio
135 R. Rainha Santa IsabelWith a philosophy based on the best practices of typical Portuguese cuisine, the restaurant's proposals reveal an enormous inspiration. River fish, as well as quality meats, are a constant at the table of this restaurant, honoured and recreated in every dish, every season of the year. Book a terrace table in advance.
R. Guilherme de Pavia 135, 2240-611 Dornes
+351 918 531 841
Restaurante A Grelha do Zêzere
37 R. Maria VasquesRestaurante Casa Dos Leitões, Lda.
665 Rua Camilo Jorge Ferreira e SilvaSightseeing
Just 30 minutes walk or 10 minutes drive from the Blue Lake House you will find the Chapel of São Pedro de Castro is a rustic temple built on a Roman castro cliff on a hill by the river Zêzere. Magnificent view over the lake.
Capela de São Pedro do Castro
Just 30 minutes walk or 10 minutes drive from the Blue Lake House you will find the Chapel of São Pedro de Castro is a rustic temple built on a Roman castro cliff on a hill by the river Zêzere. Magnificent view over the lake.
Passadiço do Penedo Furado
River Beach Penedo Furado
EM548