At about one-hour drive north of Lisbon, the town of Tomar occupies a special place in the history of Portugal and the world. Built inside the walls of the Castle of Tomar, one of the finest examples of 12th Century military architecture, the original medieval town was established in 1159 on land granted by the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, to the Order of the Knights Templar which foundation dates back to around 1118.
Source: Travel: Tomar’s remarkable place in World History – Portugal