Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré
The Hermitage of Our Lady of Nazareth (Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré) stands in an imposing hilltop position in Sitio, overlooking the town of Nazare in Western Portugal. The original Ermida da Memoria (Memorial Chapel) close by was built in the 14th century but was too small to accommodate the many pilgrims who were drawn to the site, so the much larger Ermida da Nossa Senhora da Nazare was built in 17th century.
Ermida da Memória
In 1182 Dom Fuas Roupinho, a local dignitary, hunting deer in the area, almost fell to his death when the animal he was giving chase to plunged over the cliffs. Knowing that there was a sacred grotto nearby, the horseman implored the help of Our Lady and it is said that his horse suddenly stopped, saving both horse and rider from following the deer to certain death in the waters below.
Alcobaca Monastery
The monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça is another UNESCO World Heritage site. This medieval monastery was the first to be built in the Gothic style in Portugal. Consists of many later additions and a a real insight into monastic life at the time.
