The centre of Portugal has countryside, mountainous massifs and traditional villages. Near the sea, fishing villages and cosmopolitan beaches with water sports to set the pace of the day. And everywhere, the millenarium heritage proudly displays the history of the region.
Some of these places are so important to mankind that they have been included by UNESCO on the World Heritage List.
Listed by UNESCO, in 1989, as a World Heritage Site, the magnificent Monastery of Alcobaça is one of the finest and most impressive examples of the Cistercian architecture in Europe. Although it was built 900 years ago, it preserves the set of its medieval buildings.
The church is the largest primitive Gothic style built in Portugal in the Middle Age.
Alcobaça is also the perfect place to taste outstanding conventual pastry that delights millions of tourists, or to discover its unique and wonderful pottery or the “Chitas portuguesas”, a traditional printed cotton fabric originally imported from India, and first brought to Europe by the Portuguese in the 15th century.
Batalha hosts one of the three Portuguese monuments classified as World Heritage - the Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória - which is the second most visited in Portugal.
Built to keep a vow made by King John I to the virgin Mary - if Portugal defeated Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota on August, 14th 1385 – this masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic and Cultural Heritage is renowned worldwide.
Batalha is today a perfect combination of history and modernity - full of living legends.
The old capital of Portugal has one of the oldest universities in Europe.
Famous for being the land of "poets and doctors”, the city moves to the rhythm of the life of the college-students, and inspires many poets.
Old houses overlooking the river Mondego, narrow streets hiding picturesque commerce, extraordinary architecture and a special highlight for the splendour of the “Biblioteca Joanina”- Joanina’s library, one of the richest European libraries and a testimony of the baroque movement, these are some of the many wonders to discover.
Coimbra’s Fado catches the attention with its genuine tradition that touches all listeners.
The Shrine of Fatima is one of the greatest references to the Marian cult, pilgrims from all over the world search for spiritual recollection, celebrating the miracle witnessed by three children (young shepherds) in 1917, the so-called Apparitions.
One of the highest moments is the Procession of the Candles, on the night of 12th of May, when thousands of candles held by the faithful, filling the great shrine, lend a magic atmosphere of communion and religious devotion to this place. Not even the most sceptic ones can remain indifferent when facing the shrine’s magnitude, spirituality and symbolism, which happen every 13th of each month.
The Church of the Most Holy Trinity - Minor Basilica, a modern building of 125 meters diameter, without any interior supports, and with a capacity to welcome around 8700 people, is the room for millions of pilgrims and worldwide tourists, deserving thus the title of Fatima - the altar of the world.
Soft white sandy beaches stretching, as far as the eye can see, invite you for relaxing holidays in Figueira da Foz.
Discover a unique blend between an authentic fishing port and the cosmopolitanism inherited from the Belle Époque when the seaside resort of Figueira da Foz was the most visited in Portugal.
Figueira da Foz is more than just beach days, the city that hosts the Mondego river is also very popular for its Casino full of glamorous shows.
The most famous town in Portugal for its wide sandy beach backed by a cliff, and for holding ancient traditions – women (fishmongers) still wearing the conventional seven skirts - and the most colourful fishing traditions.
A village, which authenticity and unique features, enchants tourists of all ages. It is also a famous surf spot in Portugal.
The extraordinarily well-preserved medieval town of Óbidos, is one of the main jewels of the country.
Surrounded by its original medieval walls and crowned by the Moorish castle, that was rebuilt by the king D. Dinis, and which is today a “Pousada”, Óbidos is one of the best examples of our medieval fortress.
When strolling along the maze of narrow cobbled streets lined with white houses, at each step, everyone comes up fascinated. Manueline gates, windows filled with flowers and small squares, these are splendid examples of the religious and civil architecture of the golden ages of the village, that will make you feel like stepping back in time.
Among the events that take place every year in Óbidos, the most important are the International Chocolate Festival, Óbidos Christmas Town and the Folio – an event dedicated to the worldwide literature.