A Few Side Trips in Portugal

May 31, 2026
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While we were in Portugal, we took a few side trips, including Fatima, Coimbra and Tomar. Fatima is, of course, where Mary appeared to the three school children (Lucia dos Santos, Francisco Marto and Jacinta Marto) on May 13, 1917 while WW1 was raging. 

Fatima is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the world, comparable to that of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The Catholic Church has officially approved devotion to Our Lady of Fatima, meaning that Catholics may, but are not required to believe in Mary’s apparition. Millions of pilgrims visit the site annually, especially between May 13 and October 13, the dates associated with the first and last apparitions. 

A striking modern cross rises above the expansive plaza of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, creating a dramatic contrast against the cloud-filled Portuguese sky.

The University of Coimbra was founded in Lisbon in 1290 by King Denis. After moving between Lisbon and Coimbra several times in the early years, it finally settled in Coimbra in 1537. It is now the permanent home of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world, and Portugal’s most prestigious university. Its campus was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. 

UNESCO World Heritage university courtyard featuring the iconic clock tower and historic academic architecture in Coimbra, Portugal.

Tomar is generally though to be one of the most important historical centers associated with the Knights Templar. This is probably because Portugal did not suppress the Knights Templar in the 1300s as they were suppressed throughout most of Europe. King Denis helped the Knights re-organize into the Order of Christ and so the Knights maintained their identity. 

A rugged medieval castle rises dramatically above rocky terrain and calm river waters beneath vivid blue skies. The fortress walls and natural surroundings evoke centuries of Portuguese history and defense.

The order helped support many of Portugals early voyages of discovery. Henry the Navigator, one of the most important figures in Portuguese history, served as Grand Master of the Order of Christ. 

Today a number of historians see Tomar as one of the best-preserved places for studying the transition of the Knights of Templar to the Order of Christ.

Ancient stone fortress walls and a cobblestone pathway lead through a historic medieval stronghold in Tomar, Portugal. The rugged masonry and weathered textures reflect centuries of Portuguese history and defense architecture.

And that was our trip to Portugal. Or at least as much as I can recount. Our travels have not ended though; soon we will be taking off for Yellowstone with National Geographic. We plan on seeing Old Faithful (obligatory) and we already have tickets to a Rodeo.

So soon we will be saying Howdy from Wyoming. 

JFB

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