Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Estremadura
& Ribatejo
Why Go?
Stretching from the Rio Tejo to the Atlantic Ocean, Estremadura and Ribatejo constitute
Portugal's heartland, but their central importance goes beyond geography. These fertile
lands have formed the backdrop for every major chapter in Portuguese history, from the
building of key fortified settlements in the 12th century to the release of Salazar's political
prisoners in 1974. Two of medieval Portugal's critical battles for autonomy - against the
Moors at Santarém and the Spaniards at Aljubarrota - were fought and won here, and re-
main commemorated in the magnificent monasteries at Alcobaça and Batalha, both Unesco
World Heritage sites. A third Unesco site, Tomar's Convento de Cristo, was long the
stronghold of the Knights Templar.
These days the region draws visitors not only to these renowned monasteries, but also to
its vineyards, beaches, castles and historic villages - and Fátima, modern Portugal's premi-
er religious shrine.
When to Go
