THE CENTER OF PORTUGAL
Bounded on the west by the Atlantic Coast and in the east by the Spanish border, the region lies in the center of Portugal.
It offers a wealth of historic attractions as well as coastal resort towns perfect for sun-and-fun seekers. It's a great recommendation for clients who like castles and numerous fortresses can be explored, many offering dramatic hilltop views. This is a fascinating region to explore by car, with one distinctive town after another along an easy-to-drive route. This region is also the site of the National Forest of Buçaco, located two miles southeast of the spa town of Luso. Buçaco combines history and natural beauty. Here visitors can tour a monastery, history museum and chapel, as well as enjoy shady walks through forests and natural grottoes.
Main Towns
• Aveiro, often referred to as the Venice of Portugal, is lined by beaches, bordered on one side by the sea and on the other by a vast lagoon. Aveiro can be toured via the effortless glide of a swan-necked moliceiro (kelp boat) along its central canals. The town is distinctive for its Art Nouveau architecture. About five miles south is the Boat Museum, devoted to chronicling the area’s seafaring history.
• Figueira da Foz is a lively, cosmopolitan resort with a marina and a casino. Popular sightseeing attractions include the archaeological exhibits at the Museum Dr. Santos Rocha, and Casa do Paço, the interior of which is lined with 8,000 delft tiles taken from a 17th-century shipwreck.
• Viseu’s architecture and monuments show a wide range of architectural styles. A highlight is the cathedral, exhibiting architectural influences from the 12th to 18th century
centuries.
• Guarda’s attractions include a 16th-century cathedral, a 17th-century church, the Old Jewish Quarter and a museum displaying paintings and archaeological discoveries. Guarda enjoys a beautiful backdrop of the Estrela mountain range.
• Coimbra, the birthplace of Portugal’s oldest university (and the world’s second oldest), was founded in 1290 and is still welcoming students today. Renowned for high-quality, hand-painted ceramics, and its 16th-century churches and cathedrals. Coimbra is known for a different style of fado, unique to the area, a softer, gentler version of fado performed only by men. Located just about nine miles from Coimbra are the Roman ruins of Conímbriga.
• Monsanto’s 12th-century castle affords panoramic views of the historic village and its environs.
• Belmonte features a 13th-century castle and a nearby Roman tower. Belmonte is notable for its historic Jewish community.
• Castelo Branco, a medieval town with numerous historic sites, is well known for the excellence of its embroidered silk bedspreads.
• Covilhã, is a town noted for its university and historical importance in the industrial manufacturing of wool. Covilhã provides access to the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela.
Access
The Central region of Portugal can be easily access either from the south (Lisbon) or from the north (Porto). The best way to tour the region is by car but major towns are also served by a deluxe railway system called Inter-Cidades or Alfa with regular schedules throughout the year.
Bounded on the west by the Atlantic Coast and in the east by the Spanish border, the region lies in the center of Portugal.
It offers a wealth of historic attractions as well as coastal resort towns perfect for sun-and-fun seekers. It's a great recommendation for clients who like castles and numerous fortresses can be explored, many offering dramatic hilltop views. This is a fascinating region to explore by car, with one distinctive town after another along an easy-to-drive route. This region is also the site of the National Forest of Buçaco, located two miles southeast of the spa town of Luso. Buçaco combines history and natural beauty. Here visitors can tour a monastery, history museum and chapel, as well as enjoy shady walks through forests and natural grottoes.
Main Towns
• Aveiro, often referred to as the Venice of Portugal, is lined by beaches, bordered on one side by the sea and on the other by a vast lagoon. Aveiro can be toured via the effortless glide of a swan-necked moliceiro (kelp boat) along its central canals. The town is distinctive for its Art Nouveau architecture. About five miles south is the Boat Museum, devoted to chronicling the area’s seafaring history.
• Figueira da Foz is a lively, cosmopolitan resort with a marina and a casino. Popular sightseeing attractions include the archaeological exhibits at the Museum Dr. Santos Rocha, and Casa do Paço, the interior of which is lined with 8,000 delft tiles taken from a 17th-century shipwreck.
• Viseu’s architecture and monuments show a wide range of architectural styles. A highlight is the cathedral, exhibiting architectural influences from the 12th to 18th century
centuries.
• Guarda’s attractions include a 16th-century cathedral, a 17th-century church, the Old Jewish Quarter and a museum displaying paintings and archaeological discoveries. Guarda enjoys a beautiful backdrop of the Estrela mountain range.
• Coimbra, the birthplace of Portugal’s oldest university (and the world’s second oldest), was founded in 1290 and is still welcoming students today. Renowned for high-quality, hand-painted ceramics, and its 16th-century churches and cathedrals. Coimbra is known for a different style of fado, unique to the area, a softer, gentler version of fado performed only by men. Located just about nine miles from Coimbra are the Roman ruins of Conímbriga.
• Monsanto’s 12th-century castle affords panoramic views of the historic village and its environs.
• Belmonte features a 13th-century castle and a nearby Roman tower. Belmonte is notable for its historic Jewish community.
• Castelo Branco, a medieval town with numerous historic sites, is well known for the excellence of its embroidered silk bedspreads.
• Covilhã, is a town noted for its university and historical importance in the industrial manufacturing of wool. Covilhã provides access to the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela.
Access
The Central region of Portugal can be easily access either from the south (Lisbon) or from the north (Porto). The best way to tour the region is by car but major towns are also served by a deluxe railway system called Inter-Cidades or Alfa with regular schedules throughout the year.
No comments:
Post a Comment