Rare Architecture Near Fatima Draws Faithful Visitors to Batalha

Before visitors of a noble square opposite the Batalha Monastery stands a dramatic visage of Gothic and Manueline architecture -- the Mestre Afonso Domingues. Portugal's Regional Pousada of Batalha is a perfect place for adventure travelers to begin discovering this historical and cultural region. The sanctuary of Fatima nearby draws millions to an international seat of religious pilgrimage.

Medieval castles and villages in Ourem and Obidos are within an hour's drive, as are the Leiria Castle and the Convent of Christ in Tomar. Nazare's romantic beaches beckon honeymoon couples and other adult vacationers just a half-hour away.

The Afonso's chefs prepare feasts of fine dining from carefully chosen Portuguese regional specialties -- chick pea and vegetable soup appetizer, roast codfish silvers with ham and cream sauce or chicken pot stew entrees, and almond pie dessert.

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