Coordinates:39.9167748, -8.6321415
Pombal has a number of unique characteristics, where religious tourism stands out, not only because of the centuries-old religious tradition of the town of Louriçal (Louriçal Convent and the process of beatification of Mother Maria do Lado), but above all because of the Way of Fátima.
Because the municipality is crossed by the Complementary Itinerary 2 (IC2/EN1), it has always been visited by thousands of pilgrims who, coming from the north of the country, make their journey of faith towards the Sanctuary of Fátima.
The centuries-old “pilgrims’ road” has been adapted to current needs, making it safer from a road and pedestrian point of view. Far from the hustle and bustle of the IC2/EN1, it provides more shade and less road traffic, complemented by the various natural, historical and heritage elements that appear along the route.
Coming from the north, from the municipality of Soure, the pilgrims enter the municipality of Pombal in the parish of Almagreira, then travel a few kilometers along an alternative route to the IC2/EN1 and parallel to the northern railway line through the parish of Pelariga until they enter the parish of Pombal. In the heart of the town, you can visit a number of tourist attractions, most notably the Church in Honor of Our Lady of Cardal, a majestic temple dating back to the 17th century. The route continues along the riverside corridor on the banks of the River Arunca to the town of Flandes. It is in this area that it is still necessary to walk about 100 meters along the side of the IC2/EN1, and then take another alternative route, crossing the parishes of Vermoil and Meirinhas, in full contact with nature.
Website:https://www.cm-pombal.pt/