The Order of Christ in Lisbon
If you’ve walked the sunlit streets of Lisbon, you’ve likely passed by ancient symbols, ornate crosses, or majestic towers without realizing they connect to one of the most powerful organizations in European history: the Order of Christ.
Founded from the ashes of the Templars, this mysterious and influential order didn’t just survive — it became the spiritual and financial engine of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. From guiding great explorers to shaping Lisbon’s skyline, the Order of Christ left behind a legacy that still whispers through the city today.
Ready to uncover its secrets? Here are 10 unforgettable ways to experience the Order of Christ in Lisbon.
Exploring the Legacy of the Order of Christ in Lisbon
1. Understand the Origins: From Templars to the Order of Christ
In 1312, the Knights Templar were suppressed across Europe. But in Portugal, King Dinis ensured their survival by convincing Pope John XXII to transfer their assets into a new organization: the Order of Christ, officially established in 1319.
Though based in Tomar, the Order’s influence quickly spread to Lisbon — then rising as the heart of a global empire.
Fun Fact: Many original Templars became members of the new Order. It wasn’t a replacement — it was a resurrection.
2. Explore Jerónimos Monastery: A Tribute to Divine Discovery
No other monument better captures the glory of the Order of Christ in Lisbon than the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém. Funded by the wealth pouring in from spice routes and new colonies, the monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, a style heavily influenced by the Order’s symbolism.
Spot the Cross of the Order of Christ carved into pillars, doors, and arcades.
Visit the tomb of Vasco da Gama, a navigator blessed by the Order before his epic journey to India.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning or at sunset for fewer crowds and magical light through the cloisters.
3. Climb the Belém Tower: A Maritime Monument to the Order
The Belém Tower once stood as a guardian of the Tagus River, watching over Lisbon’s port as ships sailed toward unknown lands. Built in the early 1500s, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks tied to the Order of Christ.
Inside and out, you’ll see:
Crosses of the Order carved into stone battlements
Moorish-inspired windows, reflecting Portugal’s crossroads of cultures
Cannon emplacements, a reminder of Lisbon’s strategic might
The tower was the last sight sailors saw when leaving, and the first when they returned — always under the gaze of the Order.
4. Discover the Power of the Cross of the Order of Christ
This isn’t just a pretty symbol — the red, flared cross of the Order of Christ was a spiritual talisman, a royal endorsement, and a branding tool for a global empire.
Look for it on:
Historical buildings and ancient tiles
Portuguese naval flags from the 15th century
Modern Lisbon trams and souvenir designs
Tip: Visit the Carmo Convent ruins to find decorative motifs from the Manueline era, even if not directly tied to the Order.
5. Meet the Mastermind: Prince Henry the Navigator
Prince Henry wasn’t just royalty — he was the Grand Master of the Order of Christ and architect of Portugal’s early explorations. From Lisbon, he organized expeditions along the African coast and supported map-making innovations.
Visit the Maritime Museum in Belém to see:
Maps and tools funded by the Order
A scale model of Prince Henry’s fleet
His personal coat of arms, featuring the Cross of Christ
His patronage forever linked the Order of Christ to global exploration.
6. Uncover Hidden History at the Church of Santa Maria da Graça
Located in the peaceful Graça neighborhood, the Igreja da Graça offers a quiet, contemplative experience connected to Lisbon’s military and religious heritage. While not directly operated by the Order of Christ, it reflects the values of the era through noble tombs and religious symbolism.
Inside, you’ll find:
Frescoes and tiles with red cross-like motifs
Tombs of Portuguese nobility who may have had ties to the Order
Peaceful views of Lisbon’s hills from its terrace
Perfect for a reflective moment — and unbeatable Instagram shots.
7. Tour the Military Museum of Lisbon
To understand how faith, power, and war intersected in Portugal’s past, visit the Museu Militar de Lisboa. You’ll see the evolution of military orders from the Templars to the Order of Christ and into the colonial era.
Highlights include:
Medieval armor sets with Order of Christ symbols
Swords and banners from expeditions
Exhibits on Portugal’s overseas empire, funded by the Order
A must for history buffs, and just a 10-minute walk from Santa Apolónia Station.
8. Uncover the Order’s Influence Near Praça do Comércio
Before its destruction in the 1755 earthquake, the Royal Ribeira Palace stood on what is now Praça do Comércio. As the seat of the monarchy, it likely hosted royal councils and administrative work involving the Order of Christ.
Though the original palace is gone, standing here places you where many decisions that shaped the Age of Discoveries — and the Order’s expansion — were made.
Look for paving patterns and fountains that echo Lisbon’s imperial past.
9. Experience Lisbon Through the Lens of the Order
Walking Lisbon with a historical lens can be a transformative experience. Try this quick itinerary for a self-guided Order of Christ walking tour:
Start at Sé Cathedral – while predating the Order, it marks the Templar roots that led to its formation.
Head to the Carmo Convent – not Order-run, but symbolic of Lisbon’s religious architecture.
Wander through the Baixa district – find tilework and street names linked to explorers.
End in Belém – Jerónimos, Tower, Maritime Museum.
Optional: Book a private historical walking tour with a guide who specializes in religious and military orders.
10. Bring the Story Home: Books, Souvenirs, and Art
Before you leave Lisbon, stop by Ler Devagar bookstore in LX Factory or the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum Shop for beautifully curated books about the Order of Christ, Portuguese exploration, and Templar heritage.
And for a tangible reminder:
Buy azulejo tiles with the Cross of Christ
Pick up a replica Order of Christ medallion
Browse vintage maps showing Lisbon as the center of the world
Final Thoughts: Lisbon Is Still Guided by the Cross
The Order of Christ in Lisbon wasn’t just a military or religious institution. It was a vision — of empire, of discovery, of destiny. Its symbols still mark the city’s skyline, its soul, and its stories.
To truly understand Lisbon, you must follow the cross.
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