Dear Blanca,
I’ve always wanted to go on a spiritual voyage and find myself, but my wallet has been holding me back. Recently I heard that Portugal is a prime spot for religious exploration. So before I hop on a plane, I wanted to know what holy places are in Portugal?
Signing off with travel dreams,
Trudy
What Are The holy Places In Portugal?
Hi Trudy,
As a resident of Lisbon, Portugal, I can certainly vouch that the spiritual presence here is strong. It is understated, but definitely there. From ancient Christian influences in Algarve to the modern pilgrimage sites like Fátima, Portugal is definitely an ideal spot for a religious exploration. Here are some the two spiritual sites that are most famous in Portugal:
Sanctuary of Fátima
Sanctuary of Fátima: This famous shrine is located in the small city of Fátima and is the site of the famous Marian apparition back in 1917.
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fatima in Portugal is definitely worth a visit. It’s a Roman Catholic shrine that is visited by millions of people each year, and it’s famous for its annual apparitions of the Virgin Mary. It’s located in the town of Fatima and is a really beautiful and peaceful place. If you’re in the area, definitely take the time to visit!
When I visited it was off season and it was pretty quiet and pretty boring. These are some tips that will make your visit to Fatima great:
- Visit Fatima during the off season, there will be smaller crowds and the weather is still quite nice.
- Get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest times of the day.
- Visit on a weekday rather than a weekend, as it tends to be less crowded during the week.
- There’s plenty to do near the sanctuary. Visit the town of Obidos (known for ginja, chocolates, and medieval architecture), take a boat tour on the Atlantic coast, or hike in the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park.
- Book a guided tour of the sanctuary, so you can miss the crowds and learn more about the history and significance of the site.
Learn more about Fatima here.
Church of St. Anthony
Basilica de Santo António: This Lisbon church is home to the Saint’s tomb.
This Roman Catholic church is dedicated to Saint Anthony of Lisbon (Not the official patron saint of the city). The church was built in the 18th century in the Baroque style and is known for its ornate decorations and intricate details. It is a popular tourist attraction and is visited by millions of people each year. The church is also home to the remains of Saint Anthony, which are housed in a chapel inside the church. The church is located in the city center and is easily accessible by public transportation. It is open to the public and admission is free.
If you come in June, you may be able to catch the Casamentos de Santo António. Here are a few tips for your visit:
Go during non-peak hours to avoid crowds. The church is usually busiest on weekends and during religious holidays.
Dress modestly, the church requires visitors to cover shoulders and knees.
. The church is known for its Baroque style and features beautiful frescoes, altars, and statues. Don’t forget to take pics.
Book a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the church.
Lost something? Many people visit the church to ask for Saint Anthony’s help with finding lost objects or seeking guidance.
Learn more about the Igreja de Santo Antonio here.
The Monastery of Batalha
The Monastery of Batalha is an important site to visit in Portugal. Located in the town of Batalha, this monastery is known for its beautiful Gothic architecture. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it has a long history of being a center for spirituality and learning. If you’re interested in history and architecture, the Monastery of Batalha is definitely worth a visit.
- Visit the Monastery of Batalha during the week or in the morning to avoid the crowds.
- Don’t over schedule things, set enough time aside to fully explore the monastery and take in all the beautiful details of the architecture and art.
- Book a guided tour to learn more about the history and significance of the monastery to local history.
- Check the calendar of events at the monastery to see if there are any special exhibitions or events happening during your visit.
- Visit the other nearby landmarks and attractions, I recommend the Battle of Aljubarrota Interpretive Centre.
Learn More about the Monastery of Batalha here.
Portugal is a beautiful country filled with countless spiritual and religious sites. From my experience of living in Lisbon, I believe you can find what you’re looking for in the many sacred places scattered across Portugal.
Wishing you luck on your journey,
Blanca Valbuena.