Highlights of the Day
Today, we visited the historic Castelo de Almourol, a majestic castle perched on a small island, originally built by King Afonso Henriques and later serving as a stronghold for the Order of St. John. The castle’s imposing stone architecture and intricate carvings offered a glimpse into Portugal’s medieval past, and its peaceful, secluded location provided us with a rare, tranquil experience. After exploring the castle, we continued to Fátima, a town famous for its religious significance, where in 1917, three shepherd children witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary. Every year, thousands of pilgrims gather at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima to commemorate this miraculous event, making it one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites.
Logistics
Accommodation: Lugar de Obidos (not recommended)
Transportation: rental car
Travel Journal
Visit Castelo de Almourol
Due to insufficient heating in the house, I woke up this morning with a cold and fever. By the time I ventured out, it was already well past noon.
Our first destination today was the historic Castelo de Almourol. Before arriving at the castle, we stopped for lunch in a charming nearby town. Guided by online recommendations, we found a self-service restaurant where the food was surprisingly delightful. Afterward, we made a quick stop at a nearby pharmacy to pick up some fever medicine, then we drove to the castle.
The castle is situated on a small island and was originally built by King Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first monarch. It later became a key stronghold of the Order of St. John.
The architecture of the castle is grand and imposing, with intricate carvings that showcase the meticulous craftsmanship of the medieval period. The ancient stone walls seem to whisper stories of its long, storied past. Set atop a small hill, the castle is surrounded by lush, verdant greenery. Visitors must follow a winding stone path to reach it. Perhaps due to the rainy weather, there were very few visitors. We almost had the entire castle to ourselves—allowing us to enjoy the historic site in peaceful solitude.
Inside, the castle is nothing short of breathtaking. Towering stone columns stand proudly in the main hall, each one adorned with exquisite, solemn carvings. These intricate designs reveal a deep sense of ancient artistry. These carvings not only highlight remarkable craftsmanship but also hold profound religious significance. On one side of the hall, a statue of the Crucified Christ hangs quietly. His face marked by sorrow and His eyes filled with depth, as if silently watching over each pilgrim. For those who visit, this statue is more than just a visual impression; it offers spiritual solace, providing strength and faith for those on their journey. Every stone, every detail in the castle seems to resonate with the solemnity of its history, transporting visitors back in time to experience the faith and legends that shaped this place.
The interior courtyard is vast and elegant, with a beautiful fountain at its center, its waters shimmering with a tranquil glow. Surrounding it are towering columns and ancient buildings, creating a secluded and peaceful sanctuary—almost like a hidden world apart from the outside. The ground is paved with delicate stone bricks, now covered with patches of moss, further enhancing the sense of age and timelessness. The gentle sound of flowing water blends with the surrounding silence, making this courtyard the perfect retreat—an oasis of calm and serenity, offering a sense of escape from the chaos of the world.
Visit Fátima
Afterward, we made our way to Fátima. Though a small town, it holds immense religious significance in the Catholic world. It is said that on May 13, 1917, three shepherd children witnessed an apparition of the Virgin Mary beneath an olive tree in Fátima. This miraculous event was later confirmed by the Catholic Church and has since become one of the most important pilgrimage sites for believers around the world. Every year, on May 13 and October 13, thousands of pilgrims gather at the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima and its surrounding square, participating in prayers, religious ceremonies, and processions that commemorate the sacred events.
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