TRAVEL DIARY: NAZARE
As we were leaving Fatima, the rain started again. We resumed our journey toward Nazare approximately an hour’s drive ahead.
Glad to see the blue skies as we were approaching town.
Nazare is one of the most picturesque seaside towns in Portugal
Proceeded to the market stalls.
Legend has it that nobleman and mayor Dom Fuas Roupinho chased a deer in thick fog. His horse halted just before a 100-meter cliff, saving them both. Recognizing the spot, he built Ermida da Memória around a cave where he first saw the Virgin Mary’s image. In 1182, he erected an open chapel to express gratitude for her intervention.
This is the chapel that is being referred to in this legend. It is a tiny Memorial Chapel (Emida da Memoria) decorated with patterns of azulejos and located at the edge of the promontory.
Above the entrance door, there’s a small panel displaying the Portuguese coat of arms inside a shell. Just above it, there’s a weathered gothic stone piece from the late 14th century.
The chapel was enchanting as the staircase wound its way down. Inside, blue and white azulejos tiles adorned every inch of the petite chapel from top to bottom.
And what a panoramic view of the bay and the city from the promontory of Sitio, Nazaré – Portugal
Across the square is the Baroque Church known as Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Sanctuary of Our Lady of Nazaré). The large facade rises above a courtyard and is dominated by two bell towers.
The main altar is covered in gilded woodwork and Dutch tile panels cover entire walls in the church.
A display of the sacred art illustrating the legend of Our Lady of Nazaré.
Afterward, we ventured to the picturesque seaside town of Nazare for lunch, where we savoured our meal amidst the stunning backdrop. The weather was perfect, prompting us to leisurely stroll along the coastline, soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Next, we visited São Martinho do Porto, a resort town just a short drive from Nazaré. Our tour director kindly took us there for a quick stop, snapping some photos for us along the way.
Photos from 22 October 2023
Next, it was the following stop on our day trip adventure.
Lovely. I really hope to get to Portugal one day.
I am hoping you can too. You’ll love it!
That chapel is amazing and the church looks lovely too!
They’re both great but these azulejos are something else.
What a fabulous Memorial Chapel , and in fact what a great day altogether. Thanks for sharing it.
We had a great day Margaret. My pleasure to share.
Lovely captures!
Thanks so much Jyothi.
Amazing how much you can see in a day, isn’t it? We spent a bit of time in Sitio but we didn’t go down to the seafront at Nazare. Mick was driving and didn’t want to tackle the town centre. Instead we stopped off at Sao Martinho and quite liked the shoreline there. Thanks for another lovely share and great photos, Teresa.
Yes we saw much of the touristy spots and we were able to enjoy some quiet time too. The food that we had in the town centre was great although it took long for it to come. Thanks Jo and have a great time next week.
Lovely visit! Great photos.
It was definitely worth the visit.