Portugal
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Convento de Cristo
A World Heritage Site, this fortified monastery offers some fascinating Templar history and the astounding stone carvings characteristic of Manueline architecture.
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The Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima is one of most famous Marian shrines in the world. Some 4 million people visit each year, drawn by visions of the Virgin Mary reported by shepherd children in 1917.
Batalha Monastery
King Joao I founded this Dominican monastery after winning a major battle. The splendid edifice was constructed over two centuries in the Gothic and Manueline styles.
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This prehistoric dolmen dates from c.4000-3500 BC. It is the largest dolmen in Europe.
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This Catholic shrine is home to a miraculous 13th-century bleeding host. It is a popular side trip for pilgrims to Fatima.
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This spectacular Cistercian monastery (founded 1153) features fine Manueline architecture and a giant kitchen with a stream running through it.
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This partially ruined Carmelite convent was Lisbon's largest until it was severely damaged in the 1755 earthquake. Today open-air summer orchestral concerts are held beneath its majestic archways.
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This bulky, Romanesque-Gothic cathedral is notable for its impressive medieval architecture, Gothic apostle statues, fine cloister, and rich treasury.