Archaeological remains suggest human presence in Tomar since prehistory.
The city welcomed a large number of Jews expulsed from Spain in 1492, since it had a good synagogue built by Infante Dom Henrique.
In the 18th century, Tomar became one of the most industrially vibrant cities in Portugal. Later, following the visit of Queen Maria II, Tomar was elevated to the category of City in 1844, the first in the District of Santarém.