Discover Portugal Tomar Ourem Fatima and Central Portugal

Discover Portugal

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Central Portugal

mapa de central Portugal

Nowadays, the Central section of Portugal, Estremadura, is an area of expanding commerce, where Vineyards, Wheat fields and Market gardens flourish. In the Ribatejo - along the Banks of the Tagus - the rivers vast flood plain provides fertile soil for agriculture and grazing land for Portugal's prized animals.

Also along it's Atlantic coast the long sandy beaches are a popular vacation destination.

This area also is steeped deep in Portuguese history and traditions.

The Cistercian abbey at Alcobaça celebrates Afonso Henriques's capture of the town of Santarém in 1147. The Knights Templar began their citadel at Tomar. Batalha's magnificent abbey was built near the site of João 1's victory over the Castilians in 1385.

Portugal's most famous shrine, Fátima, has become an important pilgrimage center for the Catholic World.

SEE THE VINEYARDS AND WINERIES ON THE WAY

Rota da Vinha Probably the fastest and easiest way out of Lisbon going North is on the Highway A1, but you should consider driving up along the River Tejo to enjoy its scenic beauty and stop and visit some of the Wineries along the way. You may choice either highway N365 on the west side of the river or N118 on the east side.

Island in the river

You may stop and visit the Quintas along the route and not only savor the tastes of the whites and the reds but you will experience the tranquility of the area. The historical buildings and the magnificent horse farms will stimulate your imagination. Quaint little islands and castles in the river will sparkle with their charm. This area is truly a picture of beauty.

Click on map to enlarge

Many tours are available to visit the quinta's and places of charm. For more information please contact: Executive Limousine Services & Excursions Permit us to plan your trip to our native Portugal.

Santarem

Gothic Santarém

You may also obtain information from Manor Houses of Portugal by completing the form on any page of their site.

Tomar

We had decided that Tomar would be a good place to rest for a few days and give us the opportunity to explore more of this section of Portugal.

As usual I came into Tomar by a slightly different route. We had been in Elvas so I drove north on IP 2 passed through Portalegre and continued north until reaching Amieira do Tejo turning left onto N 118. We continued on along the banks of the Tejo until reaching Abrantes crossing the Tejo at this point and on toward Tomar.

We had decided to stay at the São Pedro Pousada that is just outside Tomar. This is a very nice Pousada that overlooks the Castelo de Bode dam. If you prefer, you may engage in some water sports right here.

Tomar

This quaint very busy little town is dominated by a 12th Century castle containing the Convento de Cristo. This is one of Tomar's main shopping streets, Rua Serpa Pinto, looking toward the castle.

CONVENT OF CHRIST

Convent of Christ

High on the hill overlooking the town is the Convento de Cristo. Founded in 1162 by the Grand Master of the Templars, the Convent of Christ still retains some reminders of these monk-knights and the inheritors of their mantle, the Order of Christ. The Portuguese ships that sailed for Prince Henry the Navigator bore the Portuguese Cross of Christ on their sails.

Knight of Christ

The heart of this town is composed of neat grids of charming streets that lead to the gothic church São João Baptista that is located in the town's main square.

Tomar

The church is situated on the town's main square and its elegant Manueline portals are capped by an octagonal spire.

One of Portugal's most spectacular traditional functions the Festival of the Trays is held here every four years. During the festival young girls in white parade through the street balancing tabuleiros - enormous crowns made of bread and interwoven flowers - on their heads. It is not a regular event so check with the tourist bureau to find out if you are in luck.

Festival of Trays

Tomar's excellent location makes it a logical base for exploring the surrounding areas.

Hotel dos Templarios - Tomar - rates, availability and reservations

Ourém

One day on our way to Fátima we were passing through this little medieval town.

Ourem town hall

I had read little about Ourém except that the children of Fátima were jailed here briefly as the authorities tried to get them to disclose the secrets - they didn't.

It was fairly early on a Thursday morning, so seeing a parking place I parked the car and we went in to a local cafe for a cup of coffee. We started talking to the owner and I noticed some pamphlets on the counter. The pamphlets were promoting a ceremony to be held the next day, Good Friday. It was called "Via Sacra" or the Stations of the Cross in Ourém. He informed us that it would be held up on the mountain by the Castle.

Castle at Ourém

The next day after returning from a shopping trip to Fátima, I decided that I would put my car mountain driving experiences to the test. I almost made it to the top, when a policeman informed me that this was as far as I could go. He must have taken kindly to the looks on my strained face because he let me, barely fit into a spot on the road. I wondered if I had translated it correctly because I though that he said Autocarro.

Well, I did. seconds after we got out of the car a white bus provided by the Câmara Municipal de Ourém pulled up and we got on board. I asked the driver, How Much, to which he answered "Nada".

Well it was a very wonderful experience. A complete reenactment of the Crucifixion of Christ. It was extremely moving and you felt that you were taken back to those early days.

Stations of Cross in Ourem

If you are interested, I have provided a few pictures on a film strip for your viewing.

Stations of the Cross in Ourém