knights templar paris tour

Templar Buildings In Paris You Must Visit

Paris, known as the City of Light, has a rich and diverse architectural history spanning many centuries. Amidst the iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, and the Louvre lie intriguing traces of the city’s medieval past. One such chapter of Parisian history is the presence of the Knights Templar , a medieval Catholic military order. Although lesser known, these Templar buildings hold significant historical importance and architectural grandeur.

The Templars: Brief Historical Context

Before we delve into the details of these remarkable Templar buildings , let us take a moment to understand the historical context of the Templars. The Knights Templar was an influential Catholic military order founded around 1119 AD. They became a symbol of Christian militancy during the Crusades, tasked with protecting Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. The Templars played a significant role in shaping history and left an indelible mark on Paris’s urban landscape.

Where Is the Templar Headquarters in France?

The headquarters of the Knights Templar in France , often referred to as the Temple, was located in the heart of Paris. It was a large complex known as the ‘Enclos du Temple,’ situated in the 3rd arrondissement of the city. The Temple consisted of a fortified monastery with numerous buildings, gardens, and a Great Tower, or ‘Donjon,’ the tallest structure in Paris at the time.

This historical complex was the Templars’ main stronghold in France, serving as a base for their economic, political, and military activities. Built in the 12th century, it was known for its impressive fortifications, demonstrating the power and wealth of the Templar order .

The Templars constructed their own chapel, living quarters, stables, and workshops inside the precinct. The centerpiece of the complex was the Great Tower, which served as the Templar’s treasure repository. It held vast amounts of wealth, including gold, silver, precious stones, and other valuables, much of which had been donated to the order by kings, queens, and other nobility from across Europe.

Sadly, after the downfall of the Templars in the 14th century, the Temple was taken over by the Knights Hospitaller and then seized by the French monarchy . Eventually, during the French Revolution, the Temple was largely demolished; today, there are no substantial remains of the original buildings.

Yet, the area’s historical legacy continues to influence the local identity. The neighborhood, now known as ‘Le Temple,’ is still a prominent part of Paris, and the Square du Temple public park marks the location where the Great Tower once stood. This urban space retains a sense of the Templar’s historical grandeur, making it a must-visit for those interested in the storied past of the Knights Templar in France.

What Is the Most Famous Templar Castle in France?

The most famous Templar castle in France is arguably the fortified city of Carcassonne, located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region in southern France.

While it is not a castle in the traditional sense, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Carcassonne embodies the legacy of the Templars in a profound way. The city, one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortifications, consists of two parts: the Cité de Carcassonne and the Ville Basse. The former, a stunning hilltop citadel with a double-ring of ramparts and 53 towers, housed the Templars in the 12th century.

Although Carcassonne was a Cathar stronghold during the Albigensian Crusade, a conflict opposing the Catholic Church and the Cathars, the Templars held a considerable presence. The city served as a significant military and economic center for the Templars. Their commandery, or regional base, was located in the Ville Basse, and they had a considerable influence on the Cité’s fortifications. The Château Comtal, the citadel’s primary fortress, showcases the typical military architecture of the period, which the Templars significantly influenced.

One notable aspect of Carcassonne is the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus. Although the basilica is not a Templar construction, it contains elements of Templar symbolism , reflecting their impact on the city’s history.

It’s important to mention that while Carcassonne embodies the grandeur and military prowess of the Templars, it also represents a dark period in their history – their persecution and ultimate downfall. While primarily against the Cathars, the Albigensian Crusade marked a turning point for the Templars , foreshadowing their own demise in the early 14th century.

Visiting Carcassonne, you can walk in the footsteps of the Templars, experiencing the enduring grandeur of their fortifications and understanding their significant historical and cultural impact.

Temple: The Heart of Templar’s Paris

The first stop on our Templar tour is the neighborhood known as “Le Temple.” The area got its name from the massive Templar complex that once stood here, called the ‘Enclos du Temple.’ This was the Templar’s main stronghold in France, a fortified monastery that included the Great Tower, a chapel, and several other buildings.

Although much of the original Templar compound was destroyed in the years following the French Revolution, you can still visit Square du Temple. This public park was once the location of the Templar’s Great Tower. Here, you can imagine the grandeur and magnitude of the original Templar compound and soak in the location’s historical significance.

Temple Church: A Rare Templar Architectural Relic

Among the few remaining Templar structures in Paris is the Temple Church. Hidden in a small, quiet courtyard at Ten rue de la Cite, the Temple Church is a beautiful example of Templar architecture. Although modified and repurposed over the years, this church maintains its original round nave, a hallmark of Templar design.

The Temple of Paris: A Modern Recreation

The Temple of Paris, located at 19 rue des Frères d’Astier de la Vigerie, is a modern recreation of a Templar Chapel. It was built by the neo-Templar Order of the Solar Temple in the late 20th century. While not an original Templar structure, it’s an interesting visit for those interested in the Templar legacy in Paris. The Order of the Solar Temple has meticulously recreated the chapel based on historical texts and drawings, accurately representing a Templar building.

Hidden Templar Traces: The Commandry of Saint John of Jerusalem

Just outside Paris, in the suburb of Coulommiers, lies a hidden Templar treasure , the Commandry of Saint John of Jerusalem. While technically a Hospitaller commandry , the Templars held it for several decades in the 13th century. It features an impressive Templar chapel, a farm, and several other buildings. The Commandry is a testament to the wealth and power the Templars wielded at their height.

Parchamp-Alma Estate: A Glimpse of Templar Influence

Although not strictly a Templar building, the Parchamp-Alma estate in Boulogne-Billancourt, on the outskirts of Paris, is worth mentioning. A key figure in the property’s history was Philip the Fair, the French king who dismantled the Templars. He built a manor house on this site, which was later converted into a Templar commandry. Although the original buildings are long gone, the site is a fascinating example of how the history of the Templars is intertwined with that of Paris.

What Happened to the Templars in Paris?

The downfall of the Knights Templar in Paris was a dramatic and pivotal episode in the history of both the Templars and the city. By the start of the 14th century, the Templars had become one of the most powerful organizations in Christendom, with vast wealth and properties across Europe, including their main stronghold, the Temple, in Paris.

However, the order’s power and wealth soon caught the eye of King Philip IV of France, known as Philip the Fair, who was in dire financial straits. In 1307, under his orders, the Templars were accused of heresy, blasphemy, and other crimes. This culminated in the mass arrest of Templars across France on Friday, October 13, 1307, a date that has since been associated with bad luck.

In Paris, the Templars, including their last Grand Master Jacques de Molay , were imprisoned, and their properties, including the Temple, were seized. After years of torture and trials, many Templars were burned at the stake in 1314, including de Molay, on a small island in the Seine, the Île aux Juifs.

The suppression of the Templars marked the end of their influence in Paris. Their properties passed into the hands of the Knights Hospitaller and eventually the French Crown. Their once grand headquarters, the Temple was largely demolished during the French Revolution. Today, the memory of the Templars in Paris survives through a few scattered remnants and the stories of their dramatic downfall.

The Templar Influence on Paris: A Cultural Perspective

The Knights Templar left an indelible imprint on Parisian culture that extends far beyond their physical presence. Their influence can be seen and felt in the city’s historic districts, architecture, and the collective consciousness of its inhabitants.

The Templars’ architectural style, characterized by sturdy fortifications and round churches, impacted Parisian building trends, contributing to the city’s distinct medieval charm. Although lacking substantial physical remnants of Templar architecture, the district of Le Temple still holds onto its Templar past through its name and the Square du Temple, a silent testament to the grandeur of the former Templar stronghold.

On a broader cultural level, the Templars’ legacy has permeated Parisian lore and popular culture. Their dramatic history —from their prominence during the Crusades, vast wealth and power, to their sudden downfall— has fuelled numerous legends, novels, and conspiracy theories. This sense of mystique and intrigue surrounding the Templars captivates locals and visitors alike, adding an extra layer of fascination to the city’s rich history.

Moreover, the Templars’ chivalry and devotion ethos have shaped French knighthood and valor ideals. Their symbolism and mythology continue to inspire modern cultural expressions, from literature and film to art and music, demonstrating the enduring cultural impact of the Templars on Paris.

Modern Paris and Templar Heritage: A Continual Intersection 

As you stroll the bustling streets of modern Paris, the presence of the Knights Templar might feel distant, yet their legacy continues to intersect with the city’s contemporary life . Their enduring influence can be seen in the names of streets, neighborhoods, and the city’s architectural designs.

The district of Le Temple, once the site of the massive Templar stronghold, still carries the order’s name. Although the original structures have disappeared, the area stands as a testament to their grandeur and influence. Even in the absence of physical remnants, this neighborhood represents the historical intersection of the city’s medieval past and vibrant present.

Contemporary landmarks, like the neo-Templar Chapel of the Solar Temple, are modern recreations of Templar architecture, bridging historical traditions with modern interpretation and interest. They are a testimony to the enduring fascination with the Templars , a curiosity that breathes life into their heritage.

Additionally, Templar history is often intertwined with popular cultural expressions in Paris. From historical reenactments and museum exhibitions to literature and film, the Templar legacy remains a source of inspiration. These elements create a cityscape where the medieval and the modern continually intersect, reminding Parisians and tourists alike of the lasting impact of the Knights Templar on the city’s cultural and historical identity.

Templar Legacy Lives On

In conclusion, while the physical presence of the Templars in Paris may have largely faded, their influence continues to permeate the city’s history and architecture. From the thriving neighborhood of Le Temple to the hidden corners where Templar traces still exist, the Templar legacy lives on. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture lover, or a traveler keen on exploring a lesser-known facet of Paris, these Templar buildings will add a unique dimension to your Parisian journey . These landmarks tell tales of a bygone era, bringing history to life as they invite you to step back in time and explore the world of the Knights Templar.

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It was completely torn down by Napoleon, and that was done for a very good reason...

which would be too long to tell you about now.

And what about their treasure? What are the odds of finding it today?

Oh, but you wouldn't want me to spoil the fun for when I tell you the whole story in person, would you ?

We still have in the Marais a "rue du Temple" which leads to the Temple Square. This was the site of the fortress of the Knights Templar which lasted long after they were exterminated and burned at the stake at the western tip of the City Island by king Philip IV (The Fair) in 1314.

This is what the fortress looked like just before the Revolution :

About the Knights Templar...

Knights Templar in Paris

350,00 €

Private tour – 2 to 6 participants

The tragic fate of the Knights Templar coincided with the rising of their legend. Fighting bravery, huge financial power, mysterious rituals, hidden treasure, unfair trials, cruel deaths, frightening curse…

From Square du Vert-Galant, where Grand Master Jacques de Molay was burned, to Square du Temple, where the Temple Tower once held their treasure, walk on the footsteps of the famous Templar knights. You will discover that the real history of this both military and religious order is far more fascinating than the sensational legends that surround it.

• Date and time: contact us
• Duration: 2 hours
• Guide: Thierry do Espirito, historian, author of the book “ Knights Templar for dummies ”
• Price (all included, for the private group): 350,00€
• Number of participants per tour: 1 to 6 people
• Meeting point: Middle of the Pont Neuf, close to the equestrian statue of Henri IV

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Knights Templar in Paris – Private tour – 2 to 6 participants

From Square du Vert-Galant, where Grand Master Jacques de Molay was burned, to Square du Temple, where the Temple Tower once held their treasure, follow your guide in the footsteps of the famous knights templar in Paris. You will discover that the real history of this both military and religious order is far more fascinating than the sensational legends that surround it.

The sudden arrest of the Templars, the conflicting stories about confessions, and the dramatic deaths by burning, generated many stories and legends about both the Order, and its last Grand Master. Their motto was: « Non Nobis Domine, Non Nobis, Sed Nomini Tuo Da Gloriam », which means “Not for us, My Lord, not for us, but to your Name give the glory”

How could an Order like the Kinghts templar that we like to call powerful disappear overnight, taking with it two hundred years of presence in the Holy Land? Why was it necessary to get rid of these Templars who we know today did not fail in their mission? What reason of state could have justified these rigged trials, these terrible tortures, these deaths and these unjust imprisonments, the dirt and opprobrium cast on their memory… What did the Pope do to defend them? Did he support them or abandon them to their sad fate? What has become of their immense riches, as legendary as the Treasure that we work so hard to search for? Why have myths and legends taken on such importance?…

These are some of the questions that your guide will answer during this unique tour.

• We will walk for 3 km, more or less. So good health and comfortable shoes are highly recommended.
• Depending on the weather, wear the needed equipment.
• More information? Contact us

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Knights Templar in Paris

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Their tragic fate coincided with the rising of their legend. Fighting bravery, huge financial power, mysterious rituals, hidden treasure, unfair trials, cruel deaths, frightening curse… – Walking tour – 2 hours – Tour guide: Thierry do Espirito , historian and writer of the book “ Knights Templar for dummies “.

• Choose the needed date and time in the following calendar
• Other date? Private tour? Contact me .

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15 place du Pont Neuf – 75001 – Paris.

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Private tour – Musée d’Orsay and Walking Tour

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Community facilities, accessibility.

People occupied the commandery turned hospital facility for eight centuries straight. The current buildings, which have changed over the course of time, are assembled around a large rectangular courtyard decorated with 13th-century murals where the tithe storehouse , dovecote, commander’s quarters and Sainte-Anne chapel are located.

Its rarity saw it added to the French supplementary historic monument list in 1932 and classed as a Historic Monument in 1994. Nowadays, the site enjoys a considerable amount of public interest.

The commandery is also home to a medieval garden that was recreated in 1993 in partnership with the Yves Rocher Foundation. This 4,000 m² space comprises four square gardens with different themes, including a kitchen garden, cutting garden, medicinal garden and specialised plants.

Discover the ** Knights Templar Commandery** through one of the treasure hunts in the Paris Region Adventures application specially designed for families and downloadable free of charge.

Your visit through the Middle Ages in the Paris Region continues at Provins . This medieval city is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site.

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From 24 ⁄ 06 to 31/10/2023 Opening hours on Wednesday and Friday between 2 pm and 5 pm. On Saturday and Sunday between 11 am and 5 pm. Closed Monday, Tuesday and Thursday.

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Paris – the beating heart of the knights templar.

• Templar History

The Knights Templar always had a heavy French accent – and the great city of Paris was a powerful centre of activity for the order. It was where the huge Temple fortress housed untold wealth. And it was where the last Grand Master would be burned to death in front of the cathedral of Notre Dame.

FIND OUT MORE: The Templar founder Hugh de Payens

What is now a very trendy district – the Marais – was once the site of the Templar HQ in France – known as ‘the Temple’. Amazingly, this massive structure remained standing for nearly five hundred years after the Templars were crushed in 1307. You can see on an 18th century map below that it was located in what is now the Square du Temple.

The area was typical of what you would get in any Templar ‘preceptory’ but on a much grander scale. At the centre was the Grand Tower – which dominated the skyline. After the knights were destroyed, it later became a prison for royalists in the 1789 French Revolution. The last King of France – Louis XVI – and his notorious wife Marie Antoinette were kept there before they both went to the guillotine.

Louis XVI is pictured below, imprisoned inside the Great Tower of the Templars. Around the big tower would have been other typical Templar buildings like a chapel, refectory, living quarters, stables and possibly a buttery and other light industrial and agricultural activity. But most importantly – it would have protected vast amounts of riches deposited with the Templars for safekeeping.

Paris and the Knights Templar – right under your feet

To get an idea of what Paris looked like at the time of the Knights Templar, you can gaze at some beautiful churches from the period but for a really authentic medieval flavour, you have to venture underground. On a visit to the Marais district last year (one of many!), I was able to go down a flight of stairs under some 16th century buildings to see a Templar era crypt used as a location in the movie Highlander .

And here is what I found…

Templar Paris and the Crown of Thorns

One of the most staggering medieval buildings above ground is the Sainte-Chapelle (holy chapel) built by the saint king Louis IX of France. Louis spent a significant percentage of French GDP to get his hands on what he believed to the Crown of Thorns. That is the actual wreath of spiky vegetation crammed on to the head of Jesus before he was led off to be crucified.

And then he spent a third of that amount on the Sainte-Chapelle to protect and display it. Louis was a Catholic zealot and enforced strict blasphemy laws as well as persecuting the Jewish community in Paris. He died while on crusade of dysentery. Here I am last year in the Sainte-Chapelle (below). Don’t bother looking for the Crown of Thorns because they were moved to the treasury in Notre Dame many years ago.

Notre Dame de Paris and the Knights Templar

In early 2019, I paid two visits to the cathedral of Notre Dame just a few weeks before a massive fire consumed the roof destroying a forest of medieval timbers. This incredible church was being constructed in the early years of the Knights Templar and was pretty much completed by the time the order was crushed. Just in time for the last Grand Master, Jacques de Molay, to be burned to death in front of it!

Paris and the last Templar Grand Master

Notre Dame and the ancient city of Paris was located on a cigar-shaped island in the middle of the River Seine. Although the medieval city spilled out way beyond that island, it was still the centre of Parisian life in the Middle Ages. And it was a short distance from Notre Dame that the last Templar grand master Jacques De Molay was burned to death. Though finding the exact location is a right chore – and it’s marked by a very concealed plaque.

DISCOVER MORE: Was Jacques de Molay really the last Templar grand master?

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Knights Templar Tour - Paris Walks

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My wife and I accompanied Peter on the Marais walk and enjoyed ourselves immensely. He is charming... read more

Team Adam was amazing! We had a wonderful time on our small group tour! Adam was so knowledgeable... read more

Knights Templar Tour

Just pick any Paris Walks tour that fits your schedule and go. It's always interesting and informative, and helps to point out interesting facets of the city that you'd never notice on your own. Don't worry if you are interested in the subject -- by the time you're finished, you'll be fascinated. I've found all the guides to be informative, good speakers, entertaining, and nice people. A great way to spend 2 1/2 hours in Paris.

Have enjoyed them several times over the years. Always interesting and informative. Easy to connect as you just show up at the assigned time and location. Great way to learn and explore different Parisian neighborhoods.

My sister, who had previously done this tour/walk, suggested it. My husband and I are typically not tour-fans, but I wanted to learn more about the artists who lived in this area of Montmartre in the 1900's (Renoir, Lautrec, Van Gogh). We were in a large tour group (which we thought, "Oh no!") on a beautiful summer day, but our tour guide was great - the info was interesting & informative and the hour long walk ending at Sacre Coeur Basilica was lovely. The size of the group was not a problem as the guide stopped at strategic locations to inform us, then we walked along until the next talking point. This company offers other tours and based on this one, I would definitely have tried another one if I was in Paris longer.

We did the Hemingway tour which I really enjoyed since I had read most of Hemingway’s works and also ‘The Paris Wife’ – his first wife’s perspective of the relationship and of Paris. Our guide, Chris, was excellent and was very good at projecting his voice and making sure that everyone in the rather large group could see and hear everything. The tour was also very good even if you’re not a Hemingway fan – my husband knew almost nothing about him or his writing and really enjoyed the tour too from a historical perspective. I really like the fact that you don’t have to book – just turn up – so you can decide on the day depending on the weather if you want to do this or something else. Chris was also kind enough to walk us to our bus stop after the tour which appeared to be quite out of his way. A great way to see ‘real Paris’ and not just the tourist spots.

A great tour around the old City, the Island and Notre Dame. Our guide was very knowledgable and kept the group engaged. I highly recommend.

We spent two hours in the Louvre with Oriel, one of the Paris Walks founders, and I can't imagine a more efficient way to make your way through the various exhibitions. Oriel managed to lead us around the crowds (which were only unavoidable at the Mona Lisa). For those with limited time (or teenagers with limited attention spans), I highly recommend Oriel to make your visit to the Louvre a pleasant and enjoyable experience. And of course she knows all the highlights like the back of her hand.

• Beyond Paris

THE MYSTERIOUS KNIGHTS TEMPLARS AND THE ORIGINS OF THE MARAIS DISTRICT –

Posted in Paris .

This district of Paris is one of the most historic and fascinating in the city.  Nowadays, it’s known for hip boutiques, quirky art galleries, great cafes, restaurants and fresh food, a couple of delightful squares, and some of the best museums in the city.  Although its origins were far from auspicious, it’s a place we always head to for all these attractions and much more.  It’s an enticing melange of ancient and traditional plus contemporary and slightly quirky, making it one of the most interesting areas in Paris.

During the Middle Ages, this area on the Right Bank of Paris was swampy marsh land divided into many small parcels, narrow houses tightly packed one against the other, with their tiny, barely-viable fields producing vegetables for the city.  The original marshland was the remnant of an ancient branch of the Seine that had once flowed down from the heights of Belleville, east of Paris. The name Le Marais, literally The Swamp or Marsh, has remained to this day, and now comprises the 3 rd and 4 th arrondissements.

The Knights Templar, the “founding fathers” of the 3 rd arrondissement, were originally an elite French military order formed in the Holy Land from around 1118AD, set up for the protection of Christian pilgrims.  After the collapse of the Christian Kingdom, they retreated to Cyprus, and from there, spread out across Europe.  Their great wealth, mostly obtained through gifts bestowed on the order by grateful Christian pilgrims, enabled them to acquire vast estates and lands, which accelerated the process.  Louis VII donated land to the Knights in 1139, close to today’s Hotel de Ville, comprising the Marais swamplands, who set about draining and improving the land to make it arable.  The Knights were following the example of the monks of Saint Martin des Champs who had dried up the swamps on the western fringe of the city a century earlier.  Having redeemed and improved the land through their sophisticated agricultural methods, the Knights moved to its north-eastern edge, where they built a fortified compound, l‘Enclos du Temple, which also served as their European headquarters.

The Knights’ considerable business acumen, their geographical dispersion, and the granting of a Papal Bull that gave the order extraordinary protections including an exemption from paying taxes or tithes anywhere in the world, all contributed to the continual increase of their wealth.  This, and their independence, were jealously kept behind the crenellated walls of the Enclos du Temple, roughly on the site of today’s rue du Temple, rue de Bretagne, rue de Picardie and rue Béranger south of Place de la République.  The Enclos was complete with 10m high crenellated walls reinforced by turrets and watch towers, a church, vast stables, residences for the Knights, and a drawbridge that led to the Temple’s only gate (now the corner of rue des Fontaines-du-Temple and rue du Temple).

The kings of France were happy with the whole set-up of the Knights Templars, until the early 14 th century.  Philip Augustus even entrusted some of his treasures to the Knights in 1190 before embarking on the Third Crusade, but Philip the Fair, an ambitious king, could not tolerate this wealthy state within his state—probably because he himself was in chronic financial straits.  During a mass uprising in 1306, Philip accepted the Templars’ kind offer of shelter, and was staggered by the stupendous wealth of the order.  Consumed with envy, he set out to contrive their downfall by spreading treacherous rumours and slanders against them.

After hideous trials, humiliations, false accusations of blasphemy, devil worship and idolatry, followed by torture and the burning of 54 Templars at the stake, the French branch of the Order was disbanded in 1313.  The crown seized their possessions, and to add insult to injury, these were handed over to a rival order of Hospitalers who had also been founded in the Holy Land to welcome and assist pilgrims to Jerusalem.  They stayed at the Enclos du Temple until the Revolution, and were disbanded by Napoleon in the early 19 th century.

The Enclos du Temple had turned this district into an attractive area, which became known as the Temple Quarter, and many religious institutions were built nearby:  the Blancs-Manteaux de Saint-Croix-de-la-Bretonnerie and Carmes-Billettes convents, as well as the church of Sainte-Catherine-du-Val-des-Écoliers.  During the 17 th century, the Marais flourished as the aristocratic neighbourhood of Paris.  The palace of the Grand Prior of the Temple (built on the corner of rue de Bretagne and rue du Temple) became the court of the illegitimate sons of royalty, and was notorious for debauchery, yet also of literary and artistic brilliance.

In August 1792, the royal family and their retinue became prisoners of the Commune de Paris.  The King was kept at the Temple until his execution on 21 January 1793.  It was from here this his tumbril left for the guillotine on Place de la Révolution (now Place de la Concorde).

Napoleon prudently razed the Temple Tower to the ground, as the Royalists had made it their shrine.  The original Romanesque church and its churchyard were also demolished shortly afterwards.  Only the palace of the Grand Prior was still standing.  Used by the Ministry of Religion at the time of Napoleon, as a convent during the Restoration, and as a military barracks during the Second Republic, it too was torn down by Napoleon III in 1853, as part of Baron Haussmann’s project for a new Paris.

Paris has preserved the memory of the Knights Templar in many place names of the neighbourhood:  Square du Temple, bvd. du Temple, rue Vieille-du-Temple, rue des Fontaines-du-Temple, Carreau du Temple, rue du Temple and so forth.

The Square du Temple today is a peaceful, verdant, grassy space shaded by leafy trees, and a favourite with Parisians to partake of one of their favourite pass-times, even more beloved than people-watching:  the mid-afternoon aperitif al fresco.  What most don’t realise however is that this idyllic park is built right over the ruins of the Knights Templar’s l’Enclos du Temple.  Although nothing remains of that enormous compound, you can still see traces of the Knights’ presence throughout the district.

No. 158, rue du Temple is where the grand entrance to the Enclos once stood, and rumour has it that in the basement of 32 rue de Picardie, now the chic restaurant Les Chouettes, the remnants of a corner tower can still be seen.  True Templar enthusiasts can take a trip to the Château de Vincennes, at the end of metro Line 1, where the enormous, heavy gates of the Grosse Tour from the Enclos du Temple are now kept.

On the edge of Square du Temple is a covered market building called the Carreau du Temple, built in 1863.  In 2007, while the structure was undergoing renovations and repairs, the remains of a Templar cemetery were unearthed, along with the skeletons of knights who had died in France.

Many private mansions ( H ôtels Particuliers ) were built in the neighbourhood during the 17 th century, and a number of these are now listed Monuments Historiques.  Some of these include the Hôtels de Sully and de Soubise, not to mention Hôtel Salé, a magnificent building once frequented by the writer Honoré de Balzac and now home to the Picasso museum, which is always on our check list before visiting Paris to see what’s on.

The “Temples” district, notably Rue Vieille Du Temple, Rue du Temple and Rue Charlot, has some of the best shopping in Paris, and many major fashion brands have branches here including Uniqlo, COS, The Kooples and Scotch & Soda, and Karl Lagerfeld recently opened a women’s and menswear boutique at 25 Rue Vieille du Temple.

Art lovers shouldn’t miss Atelier Clot at no. 19 rue Vieille-du-Temple, where you will find Paris’ oldest lithographic workshop, that has been printing lithographs with the greatest artists of the time since 1896, from Renoir to Rodin, and today they continue to draw top international contemporary artists.  In the workshop’s gallery you can find original prints made in the workshop over the last 125 years.

If it’s open, pop into the Halle des Blancs Manteaux, a lovely, stone former market hall, but originally a convent, at n0. 48 rue Vieille-du-Temple which is now an exhibition space that often has interesting exhibitions with works for sale.

This vibrant street is full of great fashion, and most especially labels you possibly might not have heard of.  FrenchTrotters at 128 has a really great range of both women’s and men’s fashion from labels including Comme des Garçons, Engineered Garments, Bank of Outsiders, Alden, Yuketen, among others, as well as their own label which is entirely made in Paris.  They also have a range of shoes, bags, cosmetics and home décor items.

At 135 rue Vieille du Temple you’ll find a terrific menswear boutique called Elevation, who keep some of the best fashion labels around, such as Transit Uomo, Fujito, Barena Venezia and Aviatic.  New to Paris, at no. 118 is Ganni, one of the hottest Danish womenswear labels, that just opened a couple of months ago.  One of my must-visit boutiques in Paris is Oska, that I’ve recommended numerous times before.  It used to be next door to Elevation at no. 133 but has relocated to 106 rue de Turenne, which fortunately is only 5 mins. walk from their old space in rue Vieille du Temple.  There are far too many great boutiques in this street to mention here.  Suffice to say, it’s worth a stroll to discover them for yourself.

Rue du Temple runs down from Place de la République, and becomes more interesting once past metro Temple and the Monoprix store.  Opposite, have a look inside the magnificent baroque church of Sainte Elisabeth of Hungary, built in 1628, that once faced the Enclos du Temple.  It’s known especially for its recitals and concerts of the great Baroque composers, enhanced by the church’s incredible acoustics.

Originally built for a community of Franciscan nuns called Dames de Ste Elisabeth, it became a parish church in the early 19 th century and convent church of the Sovereign Order of Malta from 1938.  In addition, Jews were hidden there during WW2.  There are several paintings throughout the church that feature depictions of the imposing Enclos that was once opposite.

The street narrows after the Square du Temple, and from here on, heading towards the Hotel de Ville, is where you’ll discover all sorts of interesting little boutiques, jewellery suppliers and makers, cafes and shops.  Note though that many of these are wholesale showrooms, so officially aren’t supposed to sell to the public.  My experience is that this rule is somewhat flexible, and if you see something in the window that catches your eye, it’s worth tapping on the door if it’s shut, or simply walk in and enquire if they will sell one-offs i.e., you’re not after “en gros” (wholesale quantities).

Some of the small shops I like to check out include La Maison de la Cravate at no. 140 that has a great selection of very pretty scarves, shawls and yes, ties.  They specialise in made to order ties, choosing just what you want from their beautiful range of fabrics including pure silks.  Ormont at no. 141 sells bags and other fashion accessories and is worth a quick look.  If you’re on the look-out for a good raincoat, jacket, or waterproof bags of all sizes, for both women and men, the very place to aim for is, appropriately, Rains at no. 78.  This shop puts an entirely different spin on the concept of “rain gear”.

One of my top favourite shops in Paris is Sobral jewellery.  They have a terrific boutique on the Isle St Louis, but this during the COVID lockdowns, although it has now re-opened.  Their showroom and retail store are at no. 76 rue du Temple.  Sobral is designed by a Brazilian, everything is made from resin, very stylish, wonderful colours, modern and reasonably affordable.

Further down the

street, on the corner of rue de Braque, at no. 68, you’ll come across a very odd-sounding shop, called The Odder Side.  They stock their own label of easy sportswear, activewear, and easy separates, all made from responsibly-sourced fabrics.  Check out their overshirts, t-shirts, and kimono tops that seem to go with everything.  By this time, you’ve reached the Museum of the Art and History of Judaism at no. 71.  Housed in the former Hôtel de Saint-Aignan, the museum aims to convey the rich history and culture of Jews in Europe and North Africa from the Middle Ages to the 20 th century.

By now, you’ve gone past rue Rambuteau, the Centre Pompidou is just around the corner, and you’re within a few minutes of the Hotel de Ville.  You will have strolled past yet more interesting little boutiques and businesses, and perhaps have whiled away some time relaxing in one of the many cafes and bistros.

If you find yourself on the Île de la Cité, there is a small park, the Square du Vert-Galant, right at the tip of the island, at the Pont Neuf end looking across to the Louvre.  It’s a quiet, peaceful spot where Parisians and visitors come to picnic and relax.  However, on 18 March 1314, it looked more like a scene from a horror film, because on that day, after several years of imprisonment, the Grand Master of the Knights Templar, Jacques de Molay, was burned at the stake.

There is a small plaque at the entrance into the park that reads ‘In this spot, Jacques de Molay, the last Grand Master of the Order of the Templars, was burned.’  It is said that as he died, de Molay cursed Pope Clement V and King Philip the Fair and all his descendants.  He proclaimed that within a year both Philip and Clement would die, and that the king’s bloodline would no longer rule France.   The 2 men did in fact die that year, and in the 14 years that followed, all King Philip’s heirs perished, effectively destroying the bloodline that had ruled France for over 3 centuries.

The legacy of the Knights Templars is not easy to discern from today’s Paris, yet there are small signs and subtle hints still in evidence, if you know where and how, to look.

Comments (6)

Nadine connor.

October 3, 2022 at 8:12 am

As always, totally fascinating.

Cheryl Brooks

October 3, 2022 at 3:42 pm

Hi Nadine, Yes, it’s an area where it’s true to say that what you see today seems to reveal little of its colourful, sometimes very violent past, but scratch beneath the surface and there’s a lot to discover. Cheers, Cheryl

October 3, 2022 at 10:11 am

Great history of Le Marais Cheryl. It is such an amazing area where no matter how many times one has visited there is always more to find. Merci beaucoup Pam

October 3, 2022 at 3:46 pm

Bonjour Pam, Since researching this story, I’ve been in and out of the Marais quite a bit recently, and its often murky past seems hard to believe when looking at today’s Marais, but there is in fact lots to see if you know where to look. Which is exactly what keeps us going back so often! Glad you enjoyed it! Cheryl

Diane Hogan

October 4, 2022 at 9:20 am

Very interesting, I’ve always found the Templar’s fascinating. Where do you find your research? Love the Marais, thank you for your wonderful pieces.

October 5, 2022 at 5:44 pm

Hi Diane, Great to hear from you, and so delighted you enjoyed this story. The Templars is a fascinating subject, and I too have had a long fascination with them. As tourists, we’ve tracked them down in Rhodes and Malta–both have wonderful Knights Templars castles, fortresses etc., especially Malta–and of course here in Paris, where we are at the moment. I do a lot of research on all my topics, as you’ve kindly observed, and I must say, I am a good researcher, which I guess is mostly a result of having an MA in Classics and Ancient History. As Graham says, thanks to that, I’m still a pretty good “ferret”! I investigate lots of sources, anything from local history organisations, academic papers (although not too many of these, as they tend to be too detailed and focussed on impressing other academics!), both in English and French if I’m dealing with a French topic, or Italian if it’s Italy (although that’s something of a last resort, dredging up my once-reasonable Italian!), and I very rarely read other people’s blogs as I’ve often found their information and basic facts are incorrect, trivial and out-of-date. And of course, I draw a lot on my own personal experience of the city, region, site etc. Luckily, I love doing it, and I’m glad you enjoy it too.

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The information below has been provided by the people and entities that organize the tours. The tours are listed in the order in which submissions were received, so be sure to take a look at all of them. The Knights Templar Vault is not endorsing any of these offers and their specific interpretive approaches, but it is our hope that you will be able to choose an enriching experience that will leave a lasting impression of enlightenment and discovery.

Grail Tours

The Languedoc is an area with a cherished history involving both the Cathars and Templars. An area of immense energy full of historical relevance. We have been extremely fortunate to work alongside some of the great minds within the genre, and due to the expertise available we have decided to put together a tour.

Tim Wallace Murphy who has sold over three million books on subjects such as the Knights Templar, ancient Hidden Wisdom and Bloodlines will be joining us for two days. As well as Henry Lincoln who wrote Holy Blood, Holy Grail, which is the precursor to The Da Vinci Code.

The aim of our tours is to introduce people to the mysteries of this area, and let them visit and enjoy some of these excellent sites within France.

Visit Grail Tours’ website.

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Quartier du Temple – Historic Marais – Paris

Quartier du temple.

The Quartier du Temple is located in the historical Marais .

The 3rd district is divided in 4 administrative quartiers.

However, this small enclave of the Rive Droite is also commonly known as Quartier du Temple .

The Square du Temple and Carreau du Temple were indeed developed on the site of the Enclos du Temple , the fortified monastery built by the Knights Templar in the 13th century.

The religious order was founded in Jerusalem in 1128 after the First Crusade, and was officially endorsed by the Church of Rome a year later.

Almighty lords and monks-soldiers, the Knights Templar protected the pilgrims in the Holy Land.

The King of France rewarded them with significant donations of money and land for their unconditional support and bravery during the Crusades.

These donations allowed the Templars to found 9000 estates or commanderies throughout Europe.

The wealth of the Order kept increasing as the Templars realized successful financial operations and founded a series of international bank deposits.

Such was their wealth that they even lent money to the King of France and the Pope!

Enclos du Temple

One of the plots of land they had been given was located to the north of the Place de Grève .

The Right Bank was then a vast marsh (hence its name of Marais ) formed by an ancient meander of the Seine.

The Templars drained and deforested their land.

They built the Enclos du Temple , a vast enclosure that extended over 130 hectares and was protected by an 8m tall perimeter wall.

The Grand Master of the Order of the Knights Templar settled in the Enclos du Temple after the capture of St. Jean d’Acre by the Muslims and the definitive loss of Palestine in 1291.

The fortified monastery included a donjon or keep, a church and a multitude of outbuildings, shops, workshops and dwellings.

The Enclos was an ‘independent city’ within the city of Paris!

The donjon was a massive crenelated tower flanked by four smaller pepper-roof towers; the church was a replica of the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem.

Generations of craftsmen lived there, protected by the Templars and exempted from royal taxes.

King Philip the Fair eventually resented the ever-growing power and immense wealth of the Order as a threat to his authority.

He had the Order dissolved in 1313, seized their assets and sentenced the Great Master of the Order, Jacques de Molay , to be burnt at the stake in 1314 on what has become the Square du Vert Galant on the Ile de la Cité .

He bequeathed the fortified monastery to the Hospitallers of St-John of Jerusalem (who founded the Order of Malta in the 16th century).

Their Grand Prior, Jacques Souvres, altered the layout of the ramparts in 1667 in order to build a palace.

Development of the district

The Enclos du Temple became State property during the French Revolution; the rampart was pulled down and the land sold by plots.

The D onjon du Temple was, however, kept and converted into a jail where Louis XVI, Marie Antoinette and their children were imprisoned.

Louis XVI left the donjon on 21 January 1793 and was taken to the Place de la Concorde to be executed.

Napoleon demolished the church and the donjon in 1808 in order to avoid the latter from being turned into a site of pilgrimage.

He also wanted to eradicate all memory of these tragic years.

The donjon was located at the junction of Rue Perrée and Rue Eugène-Spuller.

The Carreau du Temple and the north wing of the Mairie du 3eme arrondissement (3rd district town hall) were erected on its site.

You’ll find a commemorative slab on the wall of the town hall.

The Prior’s palace and the outbuildings accommodated a Benedictine convent until 1848.

They were then converted into army barracks and finally pulled down in 1853.

The Square du Temple was landscaped on their site.

Nothing is therefore left of the fortified Enclos du Temple.

However, many of the Quartier du Temple’s streets and sites still bear its memory in their name.

Discover them as you stroll along the Quartier du Temple, one of the most picturesque historical districts of Paris!

Metro: Temple on Line 3 Coordinates: Lat 48.864304 – Long 2.361835

Photo Wikimedia Commons: Donjon du Temple

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Knights Templar: 22 Amazing facts and history from their headquarters in France

• Post category: Facts and history
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

If there is a name that still stirs the imagination it is the Knights Templar. Those dashing medieval warriors with their impeccable fashion sense and a knack for combining chivalry with banking.

Picture this, it is the 12th century and Europe is in a bit of a pickle. The Holy Land has become a tourist hotspot, and the rich and famous were looking for some armed tour guides. So along come these chaps, the Knights Templar, donned in their fabulous white mantles adorned with a stylish red cross.

Not only did they protect Christian pilgrims on their holy journey, but they also had a knack for real estate, amassing a fortune in properties and treasures across Europe.

It was a French knight who founded the Order of the Knights Templar Order (“ Templiers ” in French). And ultimately a French King who destroyed them.

Speaking of relics, rumor has it they found something truly magical during their escapades in the Holy Land. Some say it was the Holy Grail itself, others claim it was the Ark of the Covenant.

But it is all always very hush-hush, and much of what the dashing Templars knights knew has been lost to history. All the more adding to their mystique.

Their profound influence has left its mark on the Jerusalem, France and Western Europe, with folklore tales, secret societies, Da Vinci codes, treasure maps, and curses from beyond the grave.

So let’s find out a few key facts and history about the Knights Templar, shall we? Allons-y!

1. Christian Crusaders gained control of Jerusalem in 1099.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Holy Land had been captured by Muslim armies in the 7th century.

In 1095, the Roman Catholic Pope Urban II proclaimed the First Crusade at the Council of Clermont (in Auvergne, France). Catholic crusaders were now encouraged to head off from Europe to capture Jerusalem.

After the months-long Siege of Jerusalem in 1099 , the crusaders achieved defeated the Muslim  Fatimid Caliphate . It would be the start of a 2 centuries long Christian-control of the Holy Land, with the Knights Templar at the forefront.

2. Catholic pilgrims needed protection.

With Jerusalem under Christian control, European pilgrims rushed to the Holy Land which was now accessible after centuries. But many of rich pilgrims were robbed of their belongings, and even killed while passing through Muslim-controlled areas during their journey. A solution was needed to protect the pilgrims and secure the route.

3. French King Hugh of Payens has an idea for a monastic army.

In 1119, the French knight Hugues de Payens approached King Baldwin II of Jerusalem and Warmund and proposed creating a Catholic monastic religious order for the protection of these pilgrims.

The King agreed and granted the Templars a headquarters in a wing of the royal palace on the Temple Mount (Temple Soloman) in the captured Al-Aqsa Mosque.

4. The Knights Templar are formed in 1119.

Led by Hugh of Payens, who became the first Grand Master, a group of 9 knights created a brotherhood. They swore to defend Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem and the Holy Land.

They took the name “ Poor Knights of Christ and the Temple of Solomon ” for their headquarters at Temple Mount. For short, they became known as the “Knights Templar”.

5. The Templars took a vow of poverty.

They took monastic vows and vows of poverty, with an strict code of conduct. The goal was to avoid distractions as they created a strong fighting force that could fend off any enemies. The new order of knights was to rely solely on donations.

6. They swore an oath and had a motto.

Upon joining the Knights Templar, they would take an oath to poverty, chastity, and obedience. Their motto in Latin was:

“Non nobis, Domine, non nobis, sed Nomini tuo da gloriam.” English translation: “Not for us, My Lord, not for us, but to your Name give the glory.”

7. The prestige of Templars grew.

Though the templars had taken a vow of poverty, they did take donations. One of their co-founders was the French abbot Saint Bernard of Clairvaux, a leading Church figure, who was also responsible for the founding of the Cistercian Order of monks

Bernard put his weight behind them and in 1129 at the Council of Troyes, he led a group of leading churchmen to officially approve and endorse the order on behalf of the church. With this official blessing, the Templars became a favoured charity throughout Christendom.

8. The Templars were exempted from laws and taxes.

Along with money and land donations, the prestige of the Templars meant that the nobility wanted to help in the fight.

In addition, the Catholic Pop Innocent II also gave money, and in 1139 exempted the order from obedience to local laws. This ruling meant that the Knights Templars could pass freely through all borders, were not required to pay any taxes, and were exempt from all authority except that of the Pope.

9. They set up banking operations.

With rich pilgrims heading to the Holy Land, a need for safeguarding them and the possessions they were carrying arose. In 1150 the Knights Templar began offering letters of credit for pilgrims journeying to the Holy Land.

For a fee, the pilgrims deposited their valuables with a local Templar group, and received a document indicating the value of their deposit. When they arrived at their destination, they could use that document to withdraw the funds of equal value.

This early form of banking and cheque system made the pilgrims less of a target for thieves, since they were not carrying many valuables on their persons.

And as trips to the Holy Land grew, it also made the Knights Templar quite rich.

10. They defeated the army of Saladin in 1177.

With money and fame, the Templar knights in their distinctive white mantles with a red cross became amongst the most skilled fighting units of the Crusades.

One of their main enemies was the famed Saladin who had conquered large parts of what is now Syria and Egypt and was a powerful foe in the area.

A famous Templar victory was in 1177 during the Battle of Montgisard, where some 500 Templar knights guided several thousand infantry soldiers to defeat Saladin’s larger army of 26,000 soldiers.

11. They built bases all across the Mediterranean coast.

As the Knights Templar grew, they constructed bases all across the Mediterranean sea in order to support their operations in the Holy Land and provide supply lines.

Other bases were set up by European royalty like French Saint King Louis IX and English Richard the Lionheart, both of whom were quite passionate about the Crusades and earning glory in the Holy Land.

12. The Templar orders set up in different countries.

The Templars were organized by country, with each country being led by a Grand Master. The countries with a Templar presence included France (medieval borders), Jerusalem, England, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Tripoli, Antioch, Hungary, and Croatia.

In addition, Poitou and Anjou also had their own orders of Templars as they were not under the rule of the French crown, but the Plantagenets in the British Isles.

13. Grandmasters were appointed for life.

The templars were broken down into 3 ranks consisting of the noble knights, the non-noble sergeants, and the chaplains. To join the templar knights, the person would already have to be knighted by the King, as the Knights Templar could not do the knighting.

14. Jerusalem was conquered by Saladin.

After losing in 1177, Saladin continued to make strides in Palestine. His army finally defeated the Crusaders at the decisive Battle of Hattin in 1187, capturing Jerusalem.

It was a turning point in the Christian crusader effort in the Holy Land, with the Templars forced to move their headquarters from Temple Mount in Jerusalem in Cyprus and Rhodes Island (Greece).

15. The Templars Order declines with the loss of the Holy Land.

With Jerusalem now under Muslim rule, the Templars could no longer offer safe access to the Holy Land. The Catholic Church encouraged new crusades including:

• Fourth Crusade – 1198
• Fifth Crusade – 1217-1221
• Sixth Crusade – 1228 -1229
• Barons’ Crusades of 1239 -1241
• Seventh Crusade – 1248 -1254
• Eighth Crusade – 1265 – 1270

European royals like Henry II of England and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine , their son Richard of Lionheart, and French King Saint Louis IX all lined up to eventually try to reconquer the lost land.

16. French King Philippe le Bel consolidates power.

By 1285, it was the grandson of Saint King Louis IX who was on the French throne, known as Philippe le Bel (Philippe IV or Philippe the Fair). Philippe le Bel was on a quest to consolidate power.

Following the further death of Pope Benedict XI, Philippe forced a deadlocked conclave to elect the French Clement V as pope in 1305. The new Pope was required to stay in France and in 1309 the Papal court was installed in the city of Avignon in France, in what became known as the Avignon Papacy.

At the time, Avignon was part of the Kingdom of Arles and the Holy Roman Empire, not France. It was, however, much closer to Philippe than the Vatican was, and easier for him to control.

Philippe needed money to fight his wars against England and the Knights Templar became his target. He and his kingdom were heavily in debt to the Templars after decades of wars and crusades.

Now with the Roman Catholic church effectively now under Philippe’s “protection”, the French King could make his move.

17. Philippe IV de Bel orders the Templars to be arrested for heresy.

At dawn on Friday, 13 October 1307, The French King Philip IV ordered the simultaneous arrest of the various Knights Templar groups that were in France.

Claims were made about secret practises, heresy, insulting the cross, sorcery and other sinful acts. Not much actual evidence existed, but without any real allies, the charges stood.

In addition, the Templars were charged with numerous other offences such as financial corruption and fraud. In a well-coordinated attack that the Templars never saw coming, he seized all their lands and their money, and became more powerful than ever.

18. Grand Master Jacques de Molay was put on trial.

Once Philippe de Bel had the Templars arrested, he needed a show trial. The Grand Master Jacques de Molay in Paris and other Templar leaders were accused of heresy and obscene practices.

After some hesitation, the Roman Catholic Pope Clement V in Avignon and the other Christian sovereigns declined to oppose Philippe and come to their rescue.

The Knights Templar were removed from the Rolls of the Catholic Church in 1309. Records of the trials were later found at the Vatican showing that Clement had absolved the Templars of all heresies in 1308 before formally disbanding the order in 1312.

However, following a mock trial that was already predetermined, Jacques de Molay was executed in March 1314. He was burnt at a stake erected on the Ile aux Juifs (later renamed Ile des Templiers, and now part of Ile de la Cité ) in Paris.

19. Jacques de Molay’s curse had its effect.

Jacques de Molay, the head of the Templars would get his revenge however. He cursed Philippe le Bel from the stake.

A month after Molay’s deatth, Pope Clement V died of disease thought to be lupus. Eight months later, French King Philippe de Bel died just months later on 29 November 1314 at the age of 46 from a stroke during a hunt.

All three of Philippe de Bel’s sons died in quick succession, leaving no direct male descendants for the French throne. Philipp’s only daughter Isabella was married to the English King.

The result would be that French throne was now up for grabs. The result would be the 100 years’ war between the English and French royal houses, in order to be crowned King of France .

The curse of Jacques de Molay became legendary, adding to the mystique of the Knights Templar.

20. The Knights Templar were absorbed into other brotherhoods.

The prestige of the Knights Templar and the mystery around their practises continued to attract attention. The suddenness of their fall from grace meant that it was not quite as easy to wipe them out.

Other brotherhoods like Orders of Christ were set up, which effectively reabsorbed the Knights Templar and its properties in AD 1319.

21. The 16th century Templar Order of Malta.

The most famous “modern” Templar order is the Order of Malta. In 1530, the Charles V of Spain (then ruler of Malta as King of Sicily) gave the vestiges of the Knights Templar a home base in the the islands of Malta and Gozo, as well as the city of Tripoli (present-day capital of Libya).

With several successful battles against the Ottoman empire in the 16th and 17th centuries, the Knights of Malta grew in stature and renown.

They were eventually defeated by Napoleon Bonaparte who managed to seize Malta in 1798, with little resistance from the Knights. Napoleon was himself later defeated by the British, and although the Knights Order of Malta tried to regain control of the island, it fell under British rule.

22. The Freemasons continue the tradition.

Since the 18th century, it is the Freemasons that have incorporated the symbols and rituals of the Knights Templar and other medieval military orders.

Today, all over France, the vestiges of the Knights Templars can be found in towns and villages. From historic monuments to names of roads, the “ Templiers ” continue to inspire. In guarding their mysteries, the legend of the Knights Templar continues to fascinate generations.

If you enjoyed that article, you may like to read more about the history of France . A bientôt!

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Knights Templar Tours in Portugal

Private guided templar tours in portugal for discerning, independent minded travellers. an experience of a lifetime..

Our Private Guided Tours in Portugal are tailored to suit you. Experience has shown us that the vast majority of our guests want their tour to suit their own particular interests.

Our local experienced, qualified guides, will take you to the most beautiful and historic places in the Knights Templar region. We offer you Tours from Half Day up to Seven Days. Or longer if you wish.

Our Tours offer you a chance to experience the culture and learn the history of the ‘Real Portugal’. We offer tours for the Independent Minded and Discerning traveller.

We don’t cut corners or quality of service. We work with you to provide you with a tour to suit you. To provide you with wonderful memories. To make sure you keep coming back to our amazing Knights Templar region.

Our experienced multi-lingual guides are all locally based. Unlike some other companies we only use fully qualified guides, fluent in English. They are all Experts in the history, traditions and culture of the Templars and the beautiful Knights Templar Region. There is much to see but in a relaxed unhurried way.

We can take you to medieval Knights Templar castles, World Heritage sites, Ancient abbeys and monasteries and Historic unspoilt villages. We can show you spectacular countryside, take you to beautiful vineyards and introduce to you wonderful traditional Portuguese cuisine.

We want to show you our beautiful Knights Templar region. To meet the warm and friendly people who live here. Our aim is to welcome you as guests and ensure you return home as friends.

Where We Go

• Knights Templar Festival Tours

Tours cost from as little as €160.00 per person ($170.00 USD), per day (based on two people travelling). All our prices are in € Euros (with an indicative guide in $ US Dollars) but you can use the currency converter to see the price in other currencies.

To book a Private Guided Tour, tailor-made to suit you contact us at [email protected] . Telephone or WhatsApp UK (+44) 7711997147.

Our tour prices are based on picking you up and dropping you off in Tomar. We can also pick you up and drop you off in Lisbon or any other location in Portugal. For a price for this contact us at [email protected] . Telephone or WhatsApp UK (+44) 7711997147.

Shorter tours

If you are visiting the Tomar region and don’t have a lot of time. We can give you a guided tour of the Knights Templar Castle and Convent of Christ. Or a guided tour of the Castle & Convent and Historic Tomar.

Knights Templar Castle and Convent of Christ Tour

Knights Templar Castle and Convent of Christ: €40.00 Euro per person ($43.00 USD) based on two people on the tour.

Takes approximately 2 hours.

Knights Templar Castle and Convent of Christ and Historic Tomar Tour

Includes Pigões Aqueduct, Templar Pantheon Church of Santa Maria do Olival, Synagogue and Medieval Jewish quarter. €80.00 Euro per person ($85.00 USD) based on two people on the tour. Takes approximately 4 hours.

The entrance fee to the Castle and Convent is not included. It costs €10.00 Euro ($11.00 USD) per person, with concessions for seniors, children and students.

For larger groups, we can negotiate a separate, cheaper price.

To book a shorter tour contact us at [email protected] . Telephone or WhatsApp UK (+44) 7711997147.

For longer tours we can include hotel accommodation on request. Room rates including breakfast, based on two people sharing a room, vary from around €40.00 to €120.00 a night for a double room including breakfast. Tomar can offer a wide range of accommodation from rural cottages to a five-star hotel.

You can watch a video about what we do here….

…or you can see some short video clips of some of the sites we visit on our tours below.

Our YouTube channel has several other videos if you want to see more.

The Templars and Tomar

The Templars have featured in countless books and films. Much of what has been written is fiction. But the true history of the Templars is more intriguing. The Knights Templar Order was destroyed by the King of France in 1312. But in Portugal it was renamed and lived on as the Order of Christ for centuries. Their headquarters, the magnificent Knights Templar Castle in Tomar, remains virtually intact. Now it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Within a one hour radius of Tomar are wonderful abbeys, castles and other sites that link directly to the Knights Templar. The Knights Templar city of Tomar will be the base for our Templar tours. We will visit some of the most important and historic sites connected to the Templars. But it will be much more than visiting castles and abbeys. You will learn the impact of the Templars and the Christ Order on the history of the world.

The tours are designed for lovers of history, culture, and tradition. You will visit some of the most important historical Knights Templar locations in the world. You will also visit Templar sites never normally visited by tourists.

There is no hard evidence to directly link the Knights Templar to the Free Masons.  But often Knights Templar sites also contain symbols familiar to Free Masons. There is much interest by members of Masonic Orders, particularly Knights Templar Preceptories.  Our tour guides will point out these symbols and links to Free Masonry.

We will ensure you get the opportunity to enjoy the marvellous food and wine of Portugal. There is much to see but there will be plenty of time to shop or relax as well. Our intention is that all our guests have an experience of a life-time.

We work in partnership with Caminhos Historia (History Trails). The company has great expertise in tourism and history. They have designed the tour along with us.

Getting to Tomar

Guests will need to book their own flights to Lisbon. However, there are plenty of companies that fly direct including a number of budget airlines.

Direct flights to Lisbon from the UK are available from Easyjet (Luton, Liverpool, Bristol, Gatwick, Edinburgh), BA (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester, Edinburgh), Tap (Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester). Some routes are seasonal.

Direct flights to Lisbon from the USA and Canada are available from Newark, Philadelphia, Boston, Montreal, Toronto (some routes are seasonal).

Direct flights to Lisbon operate from most European capitals and Hub airports such as Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Madrid, Paris, London, Stockholm etc.

Our Tours start and finish in Tomar. If required we can provide transport to and from Tomar. If you are visiting Lisbon or the Algarve and want to try something different why not contact us.

Our Tours do not include accommodation but we can provide accommodation on request. Tomar can offer a wide range of accommodation ranging from rural cottages to a five-star hotel.

We can also offer Guided Walking & Hiking in Central Portugal through our partnership with Shamrock Walking Tours .

Please contact us if you require any advice regarding travel either by air, train, bus or road.

Please note, all bookings are subject to our Tours Terms and Conditions .

We can also arrange tours at other times for groups or shorter tours for any number of people. For more information contact us at  [email protected] . Telephone or WhatsApp UK (+44) 7711 997 147.