The name 'Seven Hills' refers to the seven small knolls located within the park's boundaries.
The park served as the primary retreat and meditation space for the Knights Templar and the Order of Christ.
It contains a unique octagonal chapel, the Charolinha, hidden within the denser woodland.
The forest houses a collection of centennial trees, some of which are centuries old, predating the modern city planning.
It was historically used as a private orchard and agricultural resource for the monks residing in the adjacent convent.
Seven Hills National Forest, locally known as Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes, is a botanical garden and woodland area adjacent to the Convent of Christ in Tomar, Portugal. The forest spans 39 hectares and serves as the historical garden of the Knights Templar. It features a diverse mix of native Portuguese vegetation, including oak, cypress, and cedar trees. The park is characterized by its organized pathways leading toward the Charola, the original rotunda of the Templar church. It maintains a distinct transition between manicured garden zones and denser, wilder woodland paths. The forest is connected to the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Convent of Christ by a short walking path. It serves as a protected green lung for the city of Tomar.
The elevated viewing point overlooking the forest canopy toward the Charolinha chapel.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the transition between paved garden paths and uneven forest trails.
Bring a water bottle as there are limited facilities deep within the woodland sections.
Combine your visit with the Convent of Christ tour, as the park entrance is adjacent to the convent grounds.
Attempting to climb the steep, unmaintained slopes or venturing off-trail into the dense thickets.
Maintain silence near the Charolinha chapel and follow designated paths to protect local flora.
