Aljustrel is a laid back town just 10 mins drive from the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Here, the original homes of Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco, the three children who witnessed the apparition of the Virgin Mary, had remained mostly intact.
Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima
Any trip to Portugal is not complete without paying a visit to Fatima, the city that houses the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. The shrine is a must visit for any Catholic on a Marian pilgrimage. For non-Catholic, visit to this iconic church is definitely worth while.
Sant Miquel Trail – Medieval Path to Montserrat
Sant Miquel trail is the most important way to reach Montserrat in medieval times. Fast track to today, it is one of the longest and toughest (probably most memorable) trail from Placa del Monestir. The trail provides minimal shades (which makes the walking tough…
Montserrat – Way of the Cross (Via Crucis) – Catholic Pilgrimage
Via Crucis or Way of the Cross trail presents the last journey of Jesus Christ with life size representations and in art forms. It is the 2nd easiest trail among the many trails at Placa del Monestir. The Via Crucis trail starts right after the statue of Abat Oliba, the founder of Montserrat.
Montserrat – The Holy Grotto (Santa Cova) – Catholic Pilgrimage
The main draw to Montserrat is the statue of the Black Virgin discovered 1,000 years ago by the faithfuls living in the region. As such, the Santa Cova or The Holy Grotto trail had to be the most important trail of all as it ends at the cave where the original statue was found.
Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat – Catholic Pilgrimage Destination
The highlight of Placa del Monestir (or the Sanctuary) is the Shrine of Our Lady of Montserrat and the Benedictine Monastery which were founded in year 1025. The monastery is home to 80 Benedictine monks and is closed to the public.