A Classic Manor Refreshes Guests Near the Sanctuary of Fatima

This rare retreat, kept by the same family since the 17th century, is set in Ourem, close to Fatima – one of Portugal's most important centers of Catholic pilgrimage. The manor’s guests discover some of the most notable monuments in the country; and an hour's drive will take adventure travelers to medieval castles and important Portuguese monuments.

The Fatima Sanctuary is founded on a series of six apparitions of the Virgin Mary, the first of which were witnessed by three local children. Lucia – one of the three children who heard what was said – it still alive, living in a nunnery. When an assassination attempt was made on the life of Pope John Paul II, the bullet was retrieved and placed in the crown of the statue of Our Lady at Fatima.

Portugal's Wedding City is This Honeymoon Manor's Romantic Back Yard

Ourem Castle, conquered from the Moors in 1135, is a popular tourist site, as is Tomar – one of the oldest and most charming towns in Portugal with the Templar’s Castle, classified as a World Heritage site. The fishing town of Nazare offers a wide selection of seafood restaurants and marvelous sea views as well as small sandy beaches within an hour’s reach of the Alcaidaria-Mor

The manor itself is completely restored in a spirited classic style with reading and sitting rooms, an old wishing well, and a garden under shade trees. The water supply to the house comes from a private spring. An old chapel in the garden is where commander and famous Portuguese discoverers Nuno Alvares Pereira is said to have prayed on his way to the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. The outcome of this medieval battle was Portugal’s independence from Castille in Spain; and King Joao built the 14th century abbey at Batalha in thanks. This national monument is about 30 minutes from the manor, as is the Castelo de Bode dam, a large reservoir for boating and water sports.

 

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