Looking for some shade on a hot summer day in Lisbon? There’s no better place to head to than Lisbon parks and green spaces with plenty of shade and space for a lovely picnic. Whether you’re a nature lover or simply looking for a peaceful spot to unwind, Lisbon has plenty of parks that are worth a visit. Let’s take a look at the 5 best parks and green spaces in Lisbon.
1. Jardim da Estrela
Jardim da Estrela, also known as Guerra Junqueiro Garden, is a public garden located in the Estrela Parish in Lisbon. One of its entrances faces the Estrela Basilica, making it a silent retreat away from the city. The garden was designed in the style of English gardens, with a romantic influence. It covers an area of 4.6 hectares and is open to the public every day from 7:00 am until midnight.
The lake in the garden is home to ducks and carps, and visitors can feed them. There is also a café and beautiful flowerbeds in the garden. A notable feature of the garden is the green bandstand made of iron, where musicians perform during the summer months.
Jardim da Estrela. Photo by Freguesia de Estrela (Unsplash)
2. Parque Eduardo VII
Located at the northern end of Avenida da Liberdade, at the top of Marquês do Pombal Square, Parque Eduardo VII is the largest park in Lisbon. Initially named Parque da Liberdade, it was later renamed after the King of England, who visited Lisbon in 1903 to reaffirm the alliance between the two countries.
Covering an area of twenty-five hectares, the park is centered around a large avenue with a large grassy area.
In the northwest corner, you’ll find the Estufa Fria (Cold Greenhouse). Nearby, there is a lake with large carps and a children’s playground shaped like a galleon. On the eastern side, you’ll find the Carlos Lopes Pavilion, built in 1932, which hosts various events.
At the top, you’ll come across the Monument to the 25th of April, designed by João Cutileiro, followed by the Amália Rodrigues Garden and a monumental viewpoint that offers spectacular views.
Parque Eduardo VII. Photo by Kit Suman (Unsplash)
3. Gulbenkian Gardens
The Gulbenkian Gardens surround the foundation of the same name and were built in the 1950s as a tribute to their founder, Calouste Gulbenkian. They provide a spacious leisure and cultural space, characterized by suspended gardens and a diverse flora.
The design of the park, interior gardens, and landscaped terraces were entrusted to landscape architects Gonçalo Ribeiro Teles and António Viana Barreto. In addition to the exhibition spaces and performance halls, there are cozy seating areas scattered throughout the gardens, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the serene ambiance.
Baby ducks at Gulbenkian Gardens. Photo by Miguel Alcântara (Unsplash)
4. Parque Florestal de Monsanto
Located a short drive from the center of Lisbon, Parque Florestal de Monsanto is a vast forested area that is a unique escape from the city chaos, once considered a sacred space in ancient times.
The park is a controlled wild forest adorned with eucalyptus, oak, and pine trees. It spans 900 hectares of greenery, crisscrossed by cycling paths, offering scenic viewpoints to observe the entire estuary of the Tagus River and inhabited by diverse forest fauna. Squirrels, rabbits, owls, bats, and many others find shelter here.
Monsanto. Photo by Eslam Tolba (Unsplash)
5. Lisbon Botanical Garden
Dating back to 1878, the Lisbon Botanical Garden belongs to the National Museum of Natural History and Science, but is open to the public. You need to pay to visit the Botanical Garden and tickets cost 5 euros.
However, the ticket is worth it as this is one of the best green spaces for a stroll in Lisbon. You will find a large diversity of species (between 1,300 and 1,500) and even huge trees. The remarkable diversity of palm trees, originating from all continents, adds an unexpected tropical touch to various areas of the garden.
If you’re planning a trip to the amazing seaside town of Nazare, you’re in for a real treat. With its stunning beaches and delicious seafood, Nazare is a dream destination for many travelers. But in the midst of thousands of differing reviews and plenty of option, finding the right hotel can be challenging. Luckily, we’ve put together a list of our favorite accommodation spots, the 5 best hotels in Nazare!
A 4-star hotel, Miramar Sul offers a modern design in the heart of Nazare, providing beautiful views of the ocean. The hotel features 3 swimming pools including an infinity pool, a mini-golf area, and an indoor kids’ play area. The hotel rooms feature a flat-screen TV, a private balcony with a bathtub, and a minibar. The Atlantic View Restaurant serves local and international dishes with a view of the ocean.
A 1-minute walk from the beach, Hotel Mar Bravo is a 3-star hotel with a beachfront location, as well as views of Nazare’s main avenue. The hotel features a seafood restaurant, a covered outdoor terrace, and a 24-hour front service. The rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and private balconies with views of the beach and ocean.
A three-bedroom home, Zulla House is the perfect family home for a Nazare getaway. This place features a large garden with an outdoor pool with views of the ocean. Sleeping up to 7 people, the holiday home includes 2 bedrooms, a kitchen, a terrace, a flat-screen TV, and free parking. A continental breakfast is available every morning at the aparthotel.
A 3-star hotel, Hotel Mare is located one minute away from the beach, in the heart of Nazare. The hotel features rooms with balconies overlooking the ocean, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom. Guests can book many activities at the hotel, such as snorkeling, windsurfing, and fishing, as well as rent a car at the hotel.
A 4-star hotel, Hotel Praia is located in the center of town, only a one-minute walk from the beach. The hotel features a rooftop-covered pool that is perfect for a sunset dip, as well as a bar with a sea-facing terrace. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV, desk, colorful bathrooms, and a kitchenette. The hotel also features a modern gym.
Here are the extraordinary ingredients for a wild story: a sailboat driven by an Italian man breaks down during a storm and ends up anchoring on the island of São Miguel in the Azores.
None of this would be so extraordinary in and of itself had the boat not been loaded with hundreds of kilos of cocaine coming from Venezuela and heading for the Balearic Islands in Spain. Naturally, afraid that someone would discover the cargo, António Quinci, later known on the island only as “the Italian”, hides all the product in an underwater cave.
However, the tide would spoil his plans, taking with it the product that came ashore and was found by a population primarily of fishermen and extremely poor people. Ignorant of both the actual value of the content and its usefulness, people began to use the drug, thinking it was some kind of “flour.”
The myth that it started being used for baking cakes, or, more foolishly and not really a myth, to use it as lime to make soccer field lines, is established. Understandably, the unbridled consumption of a product that was then everywhere on such a small island transformed the usual and peaceful reality into a chaotic scenario.
Especially when several people started ending up in hospital emergency rooms with overdose cases and psychotic mixtures, both cocaine and tranquilizers, swallowed to try to counteract the energetic effect of cocaine, the so-called speedball.
Immediately after this event, the criminal police get to work, mainly when the first death occurs. A raid starts all over the island, and almost 500 kgs of cocaine are seized, and the Italian man arrested.
“It’s a perfect plot for any Netflix series,” many in Portugal have said. But this mix of ingredients, with, of course, a lot of cocaine in the middle, was not fiction but an actual event in the already distant June of 2001.
But the story of Antonino Quinci would continue to make people talk, from his imprisonment to his strange escape, as well as his ironic find in a land called “Achadinha,” roughly translated as “Found” or “little busted.”
Yes, laugh all you want.
The voices that have long been calling in Portugal for international producers to look at this story and put it on our television screens have finally been heard. The story of the hundreds of kilograms of cocaine spread, consumed, and trafficked in the poor little town of Rabo de Peixe, continues now, in 2023, in a Netflix bet.
The series, named after the fishing village, “Rabo de Peixe” in Portuguese, translated not literally as “Turn of the tide” in the English version, premiered only in the last week of May.
Still, its success is already widely recognized internationally, being already the most-watched series in countries like Portugal, Spain, Italy, Luxembourg, and Greece, and at the time of writing is already the sixth most-watched Netflix series in the world.
The story adapted for the screens has an extra dose of fiction counts with a group of young friends, victims of the typical poverty of the islands, with dreams of being able to leave both that small town and the misery in which they live. They are the ones who get to keep part of the product for themselves, and the rest, well, the rest, you have to watch on your TV sets.
Of course, although much of it is fictionalized, the series fantastically transports us to those days when a small town in the Azores, the poorest in Portugal and one of the poorest in Europe, found itself dealing with hundreds of kilos of cocaine.
With 80% pureness, the drugs of the rich came ashore in the land of the poor. The stories of people who sold cocaine by the cup, by a handful, or in plastic bags without weighing it, in exchange for any money that someone was willing to give is also represented in the series.
It shows a side that we do not like to admit, but that shows that more than fiction, the reality is sometimes even more extraordinary, while showing the poverty of this village, lost in the Atlantic, called Rabo de Peixe and that now is again in the mouths of the world.
Now some people ask the following: will the series bring some negative stigma to the locality, or will it be the cause of curiosity that will, who knows, lead tourists to want to know this village, which even its name Rabo de Peixe “Fish Tail” is linked to the fact that the poor fishermen sold their fish and only kept the tails for consumption.
Time and the popularity of the series will give us the answer. For now, the best thing to do is to turn on the television and let ourselves be carried away by this story that is as authentic as it is fantastic.
Located in the northeast region of Portugal, Mirando do Douro is known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. In the heart of the Douro Valley, Miranda do Douro is a popular destination for those looking to immerse themselves in the relaxing beauty of Portugal’s countryside. If you’re planning a trip to the picturesque town, let’s look at the 5 best hotels in Miranda do Douro.
Casa D’Augusta is a bed & breakfast with a private pool, balconies, and a surrounding garden. Guests can book a 220m2 house that features 5 rooms and 5 bathrooms and sleeps up to 10 people. The property also features a private chalet and suites with private bathrooms. The kitchens feature a dishwasher, microwave, and oven and the bathrooms feature toiletries and a shower.
A restored country house in Aldeia Nova village, less than 6 kilometers from the center of Miranda do Douro, Casa dos Edras offers an apartment and ensuite rooms. Preserving the original architecture of the home, each room is classically decorated and features a private bathroom, as well as a flat-screen TV and garden views. A breakfast buffet is served daily, made of regional products.
Located in the small village of Genísio, 15 kilometers from Miranda do Douro, Casa de Belharino offers trendy suites with private bathrooms. The property features a large pool, a bar, a shared lounge, a garden, and a terrace, as well as free private parking. The rooms feature a flat-screen TV, free toiletries, and a shower. Guests can enjoy breakfast at the property every morning.
Located in the Douro Natural Park, Puial de I Douro is situated in the Aldeia Nova, a 5-minute drive from the historical center of Miranda do Douro, the property features traditional architecture and granite walls offering views of the Douro landscape. The bed & breakfast offers ensuite rooms and apartments, featuring flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms. A breakfast buffet is served every morning, made from regional products. A winery is also located on the premises so guests can take the local wine.
Located 6 kilometers from Miranda do Douro, Casas Campo Cimo da Quinta offers two-bedroom apartments, as well as ensuite rooms. The rural farm features an outdoor pool with a lounging area, as well as a restaurant serving traditional cuisine of the Douro region. The rooms are filled with colorful artwork and tiled floors, featuring balconies and private bathrooms. Breakfast is served every morning in the communal living room.
Portugal Day is a national holiday in Portugal that is celebrated annually on June 10th, the day of the death of poet Luis de Camões. This day pays tribute to Portugal, the Portuguese people, the Lusophone culture, and the Portuguese presence worldwide.
June 10th initially started as a municipal holiday in Lisbon, dedicated to Camões, and was later elevated by the Estado Novo regime to a national holiday, known as the Day of Camões, Portugal, and the Portuguese “Race.”
The latter celebrated the colonies and how they all belonged to one Portuguese “race,” making it once a very nationalistic holiday in the dictatorship.
After the April 25th Revolution, this day came to be known as the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities. It is now celebrated in Portugal and all over the world, such as Canada and the United Kingdom.
History of Portugal Day
During the Estado Novo (1933 – 1974), June 10th was celebrated as the Day of Camões, Portugal, and the Portuguese “Race.” Salazar made it a nationalistic holiday that glorified the colonies.
Since Camões was an emblematic figure associated with the Age of Discoveries, due to his text called Os Lusiadas, the regime used him to celebrate the Portuguese colonies. Not only that but the idea of a great nation spread throughout the world with a common language.
However, Salazar didn’t create the holiday. Before the Estado Novo, it was already a municipal holiday known for the Day of Camōes and Portugal. During the inauguration of the National Stadium of Jamor in 1944, Salazar created the last part of the “Portuguese Race.”
A year after the Carnation Revolution, this holiday became known as the Day of Portugal, Camões, and the Portuguese Communities. This holiday has been celebrated all over the world in different cities with activities and parades, such as in Canada and the United Kingdom.
2023 Portugal Day Celebrations
This year, the President has said that the Portugal Day celebrations will take place in Peso da Régua in Portugal and in South Africa. In January, the government built a commission to take care of the celebrations, led by João Nicolau de Almeida and others. Peso da Régua was chosen as the main celebration site as the Douro was designated the European Wine Capital in 2023.
Who was Luis de Camōes?
Considered one of the Portuguese language’s greatest poets, Luis de Camoes’ skill has been compared to the likes of Shakespeare and Dante. The 16th-century poet is mostly remembered for his work Os Lusiadas, which describes Vasco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India, a text that is read by most Portuguese in school.
Statue of Luis de Camoes at Jardim Marques de Pombal, Oeiras, Portugal. Photo by Pedro Ribeiro Simoes (Flickr)
Sagres is a picturesque town located in the southwestern tip of Portugal, known for its stunning natural beauty and world-class surf spots. If you’re planning a relaxing vacation to Sagres, choosing the perfect hotel is essential to make the most of your stay. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Sagres for the perfect getaway.
A 5-star resort only a 2-minute walk from the beach, Martinhal Sagres Beach Family Resort overlooks the beach and has luxurious amenities. The resort has 5 swimming pools, 4 bars, a tennis court, a playroom for kids with PlayStations, as well as outdoor activities such as surfing and football. The resort also features 3 restaurants, one for fine dining, a seafood one, and an Italian restaurant. The guest rooms and villas feature private balconies and terraces.
A 2-minute walk from the beach, Memmo Baleeira is a 4-star hotel located in the green surroundings of the Costa Vicentina Natural Park. This hotel features an outdoor pool with views of the ocean, a spa with a heated indoor pool, a Turkish bath, and a sauna. The hotel’s restaurant, Fornaria, serves delicious homemade pizzas made in a wood-burning oven that guests can enjoy with a beautiful view of the bay. The guest rooms are spacious and come with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a minibar, and a private bathroom.
A 2-minute walk from the beach, the 4-star Pousada de Sagres is located a 5-minute drive from Sagres fort. This place overlooks the fort and the stunning lighthouse of Cape St Vicent, located on a cliff-top location. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a spa, bar, and restaurant. The guest rooms have air conditioning, a work desk, a safe, and a modern bathroom.
A 4-minute walk from the beach, Casa Azul Sagres features modern rooms and apartments with outdoor balconies. The units come with seating areas, LCD TV with satellite channels, and private bathrooms. The guesthouse serves a tasty breakfast every morning in the breakfast room and there are plenty of restaurants nearby. Casa Azul also organizes surf and bodyboard lessons for guests to enjoy.
Pontalaia Apartamentos Turisticos is located 5 minutes away from Mareta Beach and offers comfortable apartments with large balconies. Featuring one and two-bedroom apartments, these come equipped with modern furniture, a modern bathroom, a kitchenette, and satellite TV. The apartments are located close to the infrastructures of the village, such as restaurants, supermarkets, and pharmacies.
A popular city in the heart of Portugal, Viseu is known for its historical buildings and unique cobblestone streets. If you’re planning a trip to Viseu, finding the right place to stay is essential. With so many options to choose from, it can be overwhelming to pick the perfect hotel. From luxurious spa retreats to cozy guesthouses, Viseu has something for every traveler. Let’s take a look at the 5 best hotels in Viseu!
A 5-star hotel, Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel is just a 20-minute walk from the center of Viseu. This spa features a spa and wellness center where guests can enjoy a professional massage and a Turkish bath, as well as an indoor and outdoor pool. The rooms at Montebello Viseu Congress Hotel are decorated with warm colors and feature air conditioning, a minibar, a seating area, and a dining area. The restaurant serves Portuguese and international cuisine, as well as a daily breakfast.
Pousada de Viseu is a 4-star establishment located in a 19th-century building, a 5-minute walk from the green park Florestal de Fontelo. Overlooking the old part of the city of Viseu, the hotel features a relaxing spa and wellness center, outdoor swimming pools, and an outdoor terrace. The spacious guest rooms feature modern furniture, air-conditioning, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV, while some come with a balcony with panoramic views of the city.
A 4-star guesthouse, Bemyguest is located in an early 19th-century building in Jardim das Mães (mothers’ garden) that was renovated in 2015. This place offers stunning views of Rossio Square and is located next to the Almeida Moreira Museum and City Hall. The rooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a bath or shower. Some units include a kitchenette, seating area, and views of the garden or city.
A 4-star hotel, Montebelo Palacio dos Melos Viseu Historic Hotel is located in the historical center of Viseu and features an elegant lounge area and a terrace bar with panoramic views of the city. The hotel has been renovated to keep its original facade, whilst adding modern facilities and touches to the property. The rooms feature a spa bath, shower, air-conditioning, satellite TV, and a minibar.
Located 2 kilometers from Viseu Cathedral, Avenida Boutique Hotel offers a sophisticated atmosphere in the heart of the city. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, room service, as well as restaurants nearby. The guest rooms feature a desk, flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, and comfortable towels. Guests can also enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast every morning which can be served in their room.
Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) inspectors canceled the airport strikes in Lisbon, Porto, Faro, and Madeira last Friday.
The strikes were scheduled to take place at Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport from 5:00 am to 10:00 am on May 27 to 29, June 3 to 5, June 10 to 12, June 17 to 19, and June 24 to 26.
At the remaining airports and border checkpoints, including maritime ports, the strike was planned for May 22 and 29, and June 5, 12, 19, and 26.
Last Wednesday, the President of the Republic promulgated the government decrees, which were approved by the Council of Ministers on April 6, regarding the replacement of SEF and the transitional regime for its employees.
According to the union, the suspension of the strikes follows the promulgation of these decrees regarding the transition of staff and the creation of the Portuguese Agency for Minorities, Migrations, and Asylum.
SEF as we know it is expected to become extinct by October, as was previously planned.
The search for Maddie McCann at the Arade Dam in Algarve is expected to conclude this Thursday, although the results of the investigations have so far been inconclusive. There are no plans to extend the operations, despite the delay caused by adverse weather conditions on Tuesday.
Several inspectors and experts have been deployed to the dam for the searches this week. The operation also involves tracking dogs, sensors, drones, and a boat.
On Wednesday, a small machine was used to clear the terrain and facilitate the collection of soil samples.
The Judiciary Police is expected to communicate the results of this operation in a press conference upon the completion of the search.
The operation was requested by the German police, who suspect Christian Bruckner’s involvement in the disappearance of the British child in 2007. He was made a suspect back in April of 2022.
However, the operation is also being followed by the Metropolitan Police of London.
Mark Cranwell, Chief Inspector from the United Kingdom, is on-site to inform the McCann family of any developments.
The searches are going on in the Arade Dam, located 50 kilometers from Praia da Luz where Madeleine McCann disappeared at 3 years old in 2007.
Portugal is a country steeped in history and culture, with a rich architectural heritage that reflects its long past. From the intricate Gothic designs of the Middle Ages to the ornate Baroque styles of the 18th century, Portuguese architecture is a testament to the country’s creativity when it comes to incredible buildings.
Throughout the centuries, Portugal has produced some of the world’s most breathtaking buildings, many of which have become treasured historical monuments. Let’s explore 7 of the most incredible buildings in Portugal so you can better understand Portuguese architecture and all that it entails.
1. Belem Tower
A fortified tower in Belem, Belem Tower was built the early 16th century and stands tall along the Tagus river in Lisbon. While it has served many functions along the years, such as a customs checkpoints, today it is one of the most popular attractions in Lisbon, after being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983.
This tower initially designed as a fortress to protect the city of Lisbon from invasion during the reign of King Manuel I. Designed by Francisco de Arruda, a Portuguese architect who was heavily influenced by the Gothic style of architecture, characterized by intricate stone carvings of maritime motifs such as ropes, anchors, and sea monsters.
The tower has a four-story structure, with the first three floors containing small chambers that were used for storage and as prison cells. The fourth floor houses the king’s chambers, which were decorated with beautiful tiles, and a terrace that offers stunning views of the Tagus River.
Torre de Belem. Photo by Alex Paganelli (Unsplash)
2. Jerónimos Monastery
Also located in Belem, the Jerónimos Monastery is one of the best examples of late Gothic architecture. It was built in the early 16th century by King Manuel I to commemorate the return of Vasco da Gama from his voyage to India and to give thanks to God for the wealth it brought to Portugal.
The monastery was designed by architect Diogo de Boitaca and construction began in 1501. It took nearly a century to complete, with the final elements added in the 1570s. The monastery’s architectural style is characterized by intricate stone carvings and ornate cloisters.
The monastery features several impressive structures, including the church, the cloisters, and the Chapter House. The church is particularly notable for its size and ornate decorations. The Chapter House is a particularly impressive room, with a vaulted ceiling featuring intricate stonework and a series of large stained glass windows.
For a full experience of Belem which includes visits to Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, book this tour.
Jeronimos Monastery. Photo by Amanda Yeung (Unsplash)
3. Casa da Música
A concert hall and cultural center located in Porto, Casa da Música was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas in 2005 and is one of the most incredible contemporary buildings in all of Portugal.
The building’s distinctive design features a unique angular form and a façade covered in white tiles that reflect the city’s sun. The interior of the building is equally impressive, with state-of-the-art acoustics and technology that provide an immersive concert experience.
The main concert hall, the Sala Suggia, is the centerpiece of the building and can seat up to 1,300 people. The hall features a unique design that combines wood, concrete, and glass to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In addition to the main concert hall, Casa da Música also features several smaller performance spaces, rehearsal rooms, recording studios, and a restaurant. You can opt to take a tour of this building or even better, attend a show at Casa da Música.
Casa da Musica, Porto (Unsplash)
4. Pena Palace
Perhaps one of the most magical buildings in Portugal, Pena Palace, also known as Palácio da Pena is a colorful palace located in the town of Sintra. Built in the 19th century by King Ferdinand II, it is considered one of the most remarkable examples of Romanticism architecture in Europe. Today, the Pena Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
The palace was designed by Baron Wilhelm Ludwig von Eschwege, a German architect who combined elements of Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance styles to create a unique building.
The palace is situated on a hilltop surrounded by lush forests and gardens, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The interior of the palace is equally impressive, with lavishly decorated rooms. Book your ticket to the Pena Palace here to skip the line.
The University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290 by King Dinis of Portugal. The university is located in the historic city of Coimbra, in central Portugal, and has played an important role in Portuguese education for centuries. However, its architecture is what surprises most when they visit.
The university’s buildings are a mix of architectural styles, with Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical elements. The most notable building is the Joanina Library, which was built in the 18th century and is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The library features ornate decorations and frescoes, and houses thousands of rare and valuable books.
Another highlight of the university is the Royal Palace of Coimbra, which was originally built in the 12th century as a royal residence. The palace was later transformed into a university building, and today it houses the administrative offices of the university.
A large Baroque palace in Mafra, the Mafra National Palace was built in the 18th century by King João V of Portugal for his wife, after she gave him children. The construction of the palace began in 1717 and took over 20 years to complete, with over 1,000 construction workers dying in the process.
The palace was designed by German architect Johann Friedrich Ludwig and features a symmetrical layout with a massive central courtyard. The exterior of the palace is adorned with intricate carvings and statues, while the interior is lavishly decorated with marble.
One of the highlights of the palace is the library, which contains over 36,000 volumes and is considered one of the most beautiful Baroque libraries in the world. The library features an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
In addition to the palace itself, the complex also includes a convent, a basilica, and a hunting park (now a nature reserve).
Mafra National Palace. Photo by Joao Bento (Flickr)
The Sanctuary of Fátima is a major Catholic pilgrimage site located in the town of Fátima, in central Portugal. It is one of the most famous and visited religious sites in the world, and is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and the apparitions that allegedly took place in 1917.
The sanctuary is a complex that features incredible buildings including the Chapel of the Apparitions, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary, and the new Basilica of the Holy Trinity.
The Chapel of the Apparitions is the heart of the sanctuary and marks the spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the children. The chapel is a simple structure, with a marble statue of the Virgin Mary and a glass panel behind it that allows visitors to view the original holm oak tree that stood on the site.
The Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary was built in the 1950s and is the larger of the two basilicas. It is an impressive neo-Baroque structure with a towering bell tower, and it contains the tombs of two of the shepherd children, Jacinta and Francisco.
The newer Basilica of the Holy Trinity was built in 2007 to accommodate the large crowds that visit the site. It is a modern structure with a circular shape and a soaring concrete dome, and it can hold up to 9,000 people.
Sanctuary of Fatima. Photo by Tânia Mousinho (Unsplash)
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