Hotel Pousada de Ourem -
Fatima is in the medieval walled town of Ourem in Portugal.
It is located only twelve kilometres
from Fatima, one of most famous pilgrimage centres in the world.
In 1917, The Virgin Mary
appeared to three peasant children over a period of five months on the
13th day of each month.
As news of this miracle spread,
many people travelled to Fatima each month to witness the apparition. On
the final appearance an estimated 70,000 people witnessed the skies clearing
and the sun becoming a swirling intense ball of fire with multi-coloured
beams of light falling to earth.
Thousands of people still
come on foot to this sacred place on the 13th day of each month.
The huge Basilica contains
the tombs of two of the children, who did not survive to become adults.
The third child, Lucia who became a Nun, died a few years ago, she was
98 years old and she is also buried in Fatima.
A chapel has been built on
the site of the Apparitions and a larger basilica is now nearby and used
for worship.
The story of Fatima is related
in the local wax museum.
To the east of Ourem is the
Convento do Cristo at Tomar.
Founded in 1162, it was the
headquarters of The Knights Templar, and contains a 16 sided chapel, based
on the design of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
Tomar has been classified
by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The magnificent walled town
of Ourem and its castle takes visitors back to medieval times and is ideal
for exploring on foot.
The castle was destroyed
by Napoleon's troops but much has recently been restored.
This Pousada was built from
a cluster of houses of a bygone age and has been renovated with all contemporary
comforts and facitlites. As usual, the decor and service is of the high
quality that is the tradition of the Pousada Group.
The accommodation comprises
14 standard bedrooms and 16 superior bedrooms, all with ensuite bathroom, air conditioning, Cable television, hair dryer, locker, bathing gowns, telephone and mini-bar.
Facilities include air conditioning,
restaurant, bar, terrace, swimming pool, family games and parking.
Dining in Portugal is usually
very good and the restaurants of the Pousada group hotels are no exception.
They offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional
specialities.
This Pousada also has conference
facilities.
It offers breathtaking views
of the Seica River valley and the Shrine of Fatima, and is an ideal base
for exploring an area steeped in history.
The international airport
at Lisbon (Lisboa) is approximately 141 kilometers from this Pousada of
Portugal.
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