After the toll, you take the second exit to the right towards "Almada" to go to visit the Sanctuary of Cristo Rei (follow the Cristo-Rei signs).
This monument was built on order of the Cardinal of Lisbon, from 1948 to 1959, to thank God because Portugal did not participate in the second World War. It was inspired by the statue in Riode Janeiro. From the base, which is 85 m off the ground, one has a magnificent view of Lisbon, on the estuary of the Tagus, and southwards. There is an elevator and then a few steps to reach the top.
After Almada, go back on to the A2 highway to leave and then get on to the N10 Sesimbra\Azeitão. Continue straight on towards Sesimbra crossing a zone of pine forest. When arriving at Sesimbra's entrance you will see the sign for Cabo Espichel, which is the end of the mountain of Arrábida. There are beautiful view-points along the way.
According to the legend, Our Lady appeared here and the site became a place of pilgrimage that was visited a lot during the Middle Ages. The "Chapel of Memory" is built in the place where the Virgin appeared. Inside there are blue and white azulejos which tell the story of the Sanctuary. This monument is built on a 135 m high cliff and it is known under the name of "Nossa Senhora's sanctuary do Cabo" or "Santuário da Pedra Mua". The pilgrims stayed there, it was built in 1715. In the church there are altar pieces and paintings from the 18th century as well as the small statue of Our Lady do Cabo. Today, this sanctuary is practically in ruins.
In the North of the Cape, near the Dos Lagosteiros beach, one can see dinosaur foot prints.
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Cabo Espichel |
Santa Maria |
Then you get back onto the road towards Sesimbra, and as you are arriving, you will see the castle on the hill, 240 m high. It was conquered from the Moors in 1165 by Afonso I. From the bulwarks one has a wonderful view of the city and the ocean. In its bulwarks you will find the Santa Maria church. Built in the 12th century, it contains a famous sculpture in
alabaster which represents "Nossa Senhora Mãe dos Homens". Sesimbra was populated by Francs after the conquest from 1166, then given to the knights of the order of Santiago in 1260. The city is situated in front of a very sheltered bay and it has always been an important fishing town.
Today, Sesimbra's port is still important and beautiful to visit but the city has also become a very appreciated sea resort with good restaurants where you can sample the local speciality of swordfish
Among Sesimbra's heritage here are a few sights to visit.
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Misericórdia |
Santiago Fortress |
Azulejos |
- The parish Church
Built in 1534, it underwent several alterations over the years. Inside there are 3 naves with wooden ceilings. On the walls you will be able to see 17th century azulejos and the 17th century altar is gold-coloured wood as well as the side altarpieces.
- Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia
A
16th century church that has also been transformed, with a nave with a wooden ceiling. The altar of "Senhor Jesus das Chagas" contains a statue which, according to the legend, was found on the beach in 1534. In this church, there is also a painting on oak wood which represents Nossa Senhora da Misericórdia, it dates back to the 2nd quarter of the 16th century and is attributed to the painter Gregório Lopes.
- Santiago Fortress
It dates back from the 17th century. It is situated in the middle of the beach, and is now occupied by the police. With other fortresses on the coast this one was part of the coastal defensive line.
