Story
The story of Convent of Christ
Few places tell Portugal's story like this one. It began as a 12th-century stronghold of the Knights Templar, and around 1160 Grand Master Gualdim Pais completed its round oratory. In 1190 it held out against the armies of the caliph Abu Yusuf al-Mansur.
When the Templars were dissolved, Pope John XXII created the Order of Christ on 14 March 1319 at King Denis's request, and in 1357 the new order made this its seat. Under Henry the Navigator, its leader from 1417 to 1450, two cloisters were built, and the order went on to support Portugal's maritime discoveries. From 1510 King Manuel I rebuilt the nave in the style now named after him.
Find the famous Chapter House window, carved with ropes, coral and the armillary sphere; a small human figure at its base probably shows its designer, Diogo de Arruda. In 1581 the nobility gathered here to recognise Philip II of Spain as king. UNESCO listed the site in 1983.
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