Leaving Terra Novas we set off for the city of the Templars.
I didn't know too much about these Templars only recognising the white tabards and red crosses. I knew they fought in the crusades but I really didn't know how powerful they were. They were founded by the Pope as a Catholic Military Order in 1119. Christians around the world donated funds to them so even though they were called the "Poor Fellow- soldiers of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon" they became extremely wealthy owning nearly 1,000 companies and fortifications across Europe.
When they founded the first form of multinational banking they became even more powerful. The Pope and Kings began to fear them and they were disbanded and persecuted in the 1300's.
They left behind this beautiful chapel where Henry the navigator was born and studied as a child. Much of it was destroyed by the great earthquake in the 1700's but it is still a stunning sight.
In its time as a convent over 80 monks lived there. The cells were positioned in a cross shape. The monks spent over eight hours each days praying. I can imagine them walking, praying and singing their voices echoing down the long corridors.
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