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Any
guide to Portugal will include several key attractions
and must see stops. Withing any guide of Portugal two of these include
the capital city of Lisbon and the holy town of Fatima always stand
out..
Lisbon Travel
Guide
The city of
Lisbon, or Lisboa, is one of the oldest capitals in Europe, although
it was nearly destroyed by an earthquake in 1755 and a fire that
followed. Once home to a large Moorish community, many parts of
the city retain architecture and atmosphere from that period.
Lisbon is home
to many interesting sites including Ponte Vasco da Gama, the longest
suspension bridge in Europe, Castelo de São
Jorge, sitting on the hill above Alfama, the city’s oldest
district, and the monastery at Praça do Império in
Belém. Belém is also home to several monuments
and museums dedicated to the maritime explorations of the Portuguese.
The Bairro Alto district is famous for its nightlife and excellent
shopping can be found in the Baixa, or downtown area.
Lisbon is also
known as “the city of seven hills,” and
there are many steep climbs. So be prepared to get some exercise.
There are three funicular trams and the Elevador de Santa Justa
to help navigate the worst inclines. Regular trams provide a
similarly colorful mode of transportation around the city. Other
options include trains, a rapidly expanding underground system
and buses.
Travel
to Fatima Portugal
In sharp contrast
to cosmopolitan Lisbon is the sleepy village of Fatima, located
in the valley of Cova da Iria, 88 miles (142km) north of the capital
city. Surrounded by mostly barren terrain, Fatima has the feel
of a primitive destination, except for the 13th day of each May
and October. During this time, hundreds of religious pilgrims converge
on the village.
In 1917 the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared above an oak tree and
spoke to three young children. The children claimed to have seen
the apparition on five different occasions, and prophesized about
future events, many of which have come to pass. The site is now looked
upon as a sacred place and has been visited by several Popes. Although
the oak tree is no longer standing, a white column inside the Chapel
of Apparitions marks its place. There is a large square to accommodate
the pilgrims that travel to Fatima.
The chapel
and shrine to Our Lady of Fatima is the main draw of
the area, and there are cafes and hotels to accommodate visitors.
However, in keeping with the spiritual atmosphere of the village,
there is not much for nightlife and those who want a bit of dance
or drink with their worship will need to drive to about 2 km south
to Estrada de Minde.
From a cosmopolitan European capital to a sacred religious shrine,
Portugal has much to offer. Lisbon and Fatima are just two of the
interesting and exciting locations that are often included in a travel
guide to Portugal.
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