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Vakantievilla Portugal

Things to see

Leiria
The region has vast pine forests and bright green forest with small streams. In the soft rolling hills lies a medieval castle, Castelo de Leiria. At the beginning of the 14th century, Dom Dinis I turned the castle into a feast castle. From the royal palace, Paco Real, you have a magnificent view over the city and the surrounding countryside. Everywhere in the city religious, historic evidence attractively interrupts the city image. Similarly, the Se Cathedral is an ancient structure originated in 1559. The front has the characteristic features of the Portuguese religious architecture. This is characterized by simple lines with a less simple interior. On Alameda de Platanos along river Liz, are the Gothic ruins of Nossa Senhora da Pena.

Batalha
If you drive in a southerly direction, a road along orchards and factory buildings, you arrive in Batalha. You pass by the monastery Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitoria. This building was built by King Joao I to remember the victory on the Spaniards.This victory took place on the plain of Aljubarrotta. A victory that led to the independence of Portugal. A memorable victory which the nation had long strived for. In the monastery different styles overlap. These styles testimony of the amount of work. Over time many rulers contributed to the construction of the monastery. But the construction lasted and lasted. There are elements of the Renaissance mixed with details from the Manuel Belorussian style. Derived from the name of King Manuel I. The monastery, also known as Mosteiro da Batalha, is one of Portugal's most beautiful Gothic structures.

Fatima
Just northeast of Batalha is Fatima, the pilgrimage. Before the appearance of the Virgin to Cova da Ira near Fatima, the hilly area was inhabited by shepherds and farmers. Until there were apparitions of the Virgin. Very soon these were acknowledged by religious authorities. The landscape changed from simple patches of land into an area with many hospitals. Many believers started pilgrimages. The countless mentally ill people seeking salvation here. The trade flourished as never before. It wasn’t until during the second world war that Fatima became world famous. Since that period of time, religious services were held and new monasteries settled in the vicinity of the basilica. Nice to say is that the famous church is designed by Dutch architect Van Krieken in 1928. He was also supervisor during construction. The building is made of white limestone which is typical for that region. The basilica is in the heart of Cova da Iria. It is 2 kilometres from Fatima. It is surrounded by columnar halls that limit the huge square and connects the church with the two hospitals. Every year between May and October, thousands of believers gather here from around the world to celebrate the Immaculate Conception.

Tomar
Slightly further east is the peaceful town of Tomar located. Each stone breathes a large number of historical events. A place that deserves to be visited so you can see the beautiful facades of houses, churches and other wonderful buildings. You will find many shops where ancient crafts are still practiced.

Nazaré
A little further south to the coast, lies the picturesque Nazaré. In this typical Portuguese fisherman’s village, time stood still. Because there is no port, fishermen still use steers to wheel in the ships to the beach. Also, many women still do their laundry in the river. At night when the fishermen return it’s a nice bustle. The fish is dried on wooden racks on the beach. Then, and now. You get good view of Nazaré and its traditional scenes from Sitio. A rough promontory protects Nazaré against the northern wind. Sitio is accessible by a funicular. Not far you find the beautiful shell-shaped bay of Sao Martinho do Porto, where the ocean briefly comes to rest.

Alcobaça
Just below Nazaré we arrive in the picturesque town of Alcobaça. It owes its name to the Alcoa and Baca rivers. The town seems to be totally stuck in time as it doesn’t show any form of what makes it very charming at the same time. The site is dominated by the Monastery Real Abadia de Santa Maria de Alcobaça. The construction of this beautiful monastery began in 1178 under the direction of the priors of the Cistercian Order. The outer beauty is no where to be found inside. The decoration is simple and almost austere. In full compliance with the strict lifestyle of the Cistercian monks.

Obidos
Under the tab, events, we already mentioned Obidos because of its annual chocolate festival. The town, however, deserves more attention due to its rich history. Obidos is dominated by the walls of a castle. The castle was built in the 12th century to protect the population during the Reconquista. In the mighty walls, four gates were made. During the gold boom in the 16th century, the Paco Manu Lino is built. This is a Palace in Manuel Thermal style that today functions as a hotel. The city as it is today, is a set of narrow streets with lovely white houses adorned with flowering Bougainvillea's. The walls surrounding the houses that are built close to the protective area of the castle. The castle that rises to the top of the hill as an eternal guardian of this living museum.  

Santarém
 The city is an agglomerate of white houses. It is located on a hill from which she seems to overlook the river with attention. The foundation of the city appears to be covered by the veil of time. One thing is certain, it is always one of the main cities of the Iberian Peninsula. Both by its strategic geographical location and its function as a transit point from north to south and from east to west. Once it was a Roman establishment. Even after the city was conquered by the Moors. After several years the Moors called the place Sant 'Arein. Named after the fiery adored local saint. The Moorish influence is clearly reflected in the planning of roads and many buildings.

Also the development of the houses in the old city centre and the ancient remains breathe Moorish influence. Like Obidos, Santarem, almost seems an open air museum. Other attractions are the Largo do Seminario, the Largo Central and Portas do Sol. And the nineteenth century gardens with the magnificent Belvedère from which one overlooks the Tague. You have a beautiful view over the city from the Tower das Cabacas. This tower, called Torre do Relogio, means Watch Tower. The view from here on the set of beautiful windows, campaniles and azulejos is truly overwhelming.