 An illustrated guide to sacred sites, pilgrimages, sacred art & architecture, historic religious places & more. |
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The Republic of Portugal (Portuguese: República Portuguesa) is a democratic republic located on the westernmost side of the Iberian Peninsula in southwestern Europe.
Centuries ago, Portugal was a pioneer of worldwide exploration. Until recently, however, it was never as successful in attracting visitors to its own shores. Today's travelers, however are beginning to realize that Portugal was unjustly overlooked. It offers sandy beaches, art treasures, flavorful cuisine, a unique form of architecture (Manueline), charming handcrafts, a mild climate, relatively moderate hotel rates, and friendly people. The number of annual visitors to Portugal swelled from 2 million in the 1970s to 20 million in the 1990s, and an explosion of hotel and resort building has kept pace with the growth.
The great majority (97%) of the Portuguese population is Roman Catholic, and Portugal is home to Fatima, an important Marian shrine. Religious minorities include about 300,000 Protestants, 50,000 Muslims, and 10,000 Hindus (most of whom came from Goa, a former Portuguese colony on the west coast of India). There are also about 1,000 Jews. Atheism and agnosticism are increasing in number, and various forms of eastern philosophies are practiced by large minorities.
| Portugal Facts Some facts and figures on Portugal. Portugal Sacred Sites List  Our full list of churches, monasteries and other religious sites in Portugal. Religion in Portugal Portugal is a very Catholic country. Learn about the history of religion, the role of religion in public life, and folk religious practices in this summary. |
Interactive Portugal Map A zoomable map of Portugal, with all major religious sites and cities located and linked. Day Tours in Portugal Discover Portugal's religious and historical sights on a guided tour (or two). Portugal Travel Deals Browse the latest package deals and discount holidays available for Portugal. |
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Alcobaça A spectacular Cistercian monastery featuring a giant kitchen with a river running through it. World Heritage Site. |
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Batalha King Joćo I founded Batalha Monastery in rich Manueline style after winning a major battle. A World Heritage Site. |
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Braga This sizeable city has a historic cathedral and many other religious sites. It is the focus of Semanta Santa in Portugal. |
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Coa Valley This rugged landscape contains one of the world's most important collections of prehistoric rock art. A World Heritage Site. |
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Évora A small but historically important town and World Heritage Site in southern Portugal. |
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Fatima A small village whose shrine attracts thousands of Catholic pilgrims due to the appearances of the Virgin Mary to shepherd children in 1917. |
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Lisbon This capital city was the center of prosperity during the Age of Discovery and is filled with great churches and monasteries. |
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Santarém This city has several churches of interest, but for Catholic pilgrims the most important is the one that enshrines a Eucharistic Miracle. |
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Tomar A pleasant city in its own right, Tomar is a must-see for the Convento do Cristo, a Templar castle and monastery. A World Heritage Site. |
 Capela dos Ossos Evora, Portugal |
 Evora Cathedral Evora, Portugal |
 Shrine of Fatima Fatima, Portugal |
 Convento Carmo Lisbon, Portugal |
 Jeronimos Monastery Lisbon, Portugal |
 Convento Cristo Tomar, Portugal |
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