history
Nazaré is a civil parish in the municipality of Nazaré, covering an area of 40.68 km² and home to 10,394 inhabitants (2021 census). Its settlements are the town of Nazaré and Fanhais. Until 1912, the parish and the municipality were known as Pederneira; by law of 18 December 1912, they were renamed Nazaré. The town brings together three former settlements: Pederneira, Sítio da Nazaré and Praia da Nazaré. In the Sítio stand the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré (Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré), the Ermida da Memória (Hermitage of Ermida da Memória) and the Teatro Chaby Pinheiro; at the tip of the headland, the Forte de São Miguel Arcanjo (Fort of São Miguel Arcanjo) and the lighthouse. In Pederneira stand the Igreja da Misericórdia (Church of Igreja da Misericórdia), the former town hall and the pillory. Monte de São Bartolomeu is a classified site, and Praia do Norte is renowned for its giant waves.
