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Places of Interest in Central Portugal

Name: Truss Properties And Holiday Apartments
Address: 8 Sybil Thorndike House, Kramer Mews,, Chelsea, London, SW5 9JG
Telephone: 020 8033 9240

Central Portugal is filled with exciting, interesting places to explore. Below, you’ll find just some of the incredible locations that are well worth discovering when you stay in our attractive holiday accommodation.

Buçaco Palace

The area around the Buçaco Palace was part of a Discalced Carmelite convent established in 1628. The monks of the Convento de Santa Cruz do Buçaco not only built a convent but also created a luxurious garden with many species of trees. The garden was supposed to represent Mount Carmel (where the order was founded) and the Earthly Paradise. Date from the late 17th century a series of chapels with representations of a Via Crucis in the garden. Part of the convent, including the church with Baroque altarpieces, is still preserved beside the palace. At the entrance of the old convent, there is a plaque to the Battle of Bussaco which commemorates the fact that Viscount Wellington, who later became the Duke of Wellington, spent the night in the convent after the battle on 27 September 1810. The Carmelites left Buçaco in 1834 century following the dissolution of the monasteries in Portugal.

Buçaco Palace

Buçaco Palace was part of convent established in 1628. The monks of the Convento de Santa Cruz do Buçaco not only built a convent but also created a luxurious garden with many species of trees and shrubs.

Part of the convent, including the church with Baroque altarpieces, is still preserved beside the palace. At the entrance of the old convent, there is a plaque to the Battle of Bussaco which commemorates the fact that Viscount Wellington, who later became the Duke of Wellington, spent the night in the convent after the battle on 27 September 1810. The Carmelites left Buçaco in 1834 century following the dissolution of the monasteries in Portugal.

Estimated travelling time to this magnificent 17th century Palace from your apartment is 90 minutes.

Castle of Penela

Castle of Penela is located in Penela Municipality in Coimbra District. The Castle was built on a hill dominating the area and used to be a stronghold protecting Coimbra in times of the reconguista.The Castle of Penela and the neighboring castle Montemor-o-Velho are both fine examples of defensive structures of that period.

This historically important and interesting Castle is just a 20 minute drive from your apartment and as it is on the way to the Roman ruins of Cominbriga, you may consider making a full day of it and visit both.

The town of Penela has some very nice restaurants, bars and cafés so why not stop off for some refreshments..

Coimbra University Unesco City

Among the many archaeological structures dating back to the Roman era, when Coimbra was the settlement of Aeminium, are its well-preserved aqueduct and cryptoporticus. Similarly, buildings from the period when Coimbra was the capital of Portugal (from 1131 to 1255) still remain. During the Late Middle Ages, with its decline as the political centre of the Kingdom of Portugal, Coimbra began to evolve into a major cultural centre. This was in large part helped by the establishment the University of Coimbra in 1290, the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world. Apart from attracting many European and international students, the university is visited by many tourists for its monuments and history. Its historical buildings were classified as a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 2013: "Coimbra offers an outstanding example of an integrated university city with a specific urban typology as well as its own ceremonial and cultural traditions that have been kept alive through the ages."

Coimbra University Unesco City

Conímbriga

Conímbriga is one of the largest Roman settlements excavated in Portugal, and was classified as a National Monument in 1910. Located in the civil parish of Condeixa it is situated 2 kilometers from the municipal seat and 16 kilometres from Coimbra.

Conímbriga is a walled urban settlement, encircled by a curtain of stone structures approximately 1,500 metres (4,900 ft) long.

A visitors' centre (which includes restaurant/café and gift-shop) was constructed to display objects found by archaeologists during their excavations, including coins, surgical tools, utensils and ceramics.

This very interesting place is just a 30 minute drive from your apartment. Why not also visit the fine restaurant there.

The Monastery of Batalha

(Portuguese: Mosteiro da Batalha),

literally the Monastery of the Battle, is a Dominican convent in the civil parish of Batalha, in the district of Leiria, in the Centro Region of Portugal. Originally, and officially known, as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory (Portuguese: Mosteiro de Santa Maria da Vitória), it was erected in commemoration of the 1385 Battle of Aljubarrota, and would serve as the burial church of the 15th-Century Aviz dynasty of Portuguese royalty. It is one of the best and original examples of Late Gothic architecture in Portugal, intermingled with the Manueline style.

The Monastery of Batalha

The Monastery of Batalha, literally the Monastery of the Battle, is a Dominican convent in the civil parish of Batalha.

Originally and officially known, as the Monastery of Saint Mary of the Victory. It is one of the best and original examples of Late Gothic architecture in Portugal, intermingled with the Manueline style.
Travelling time to this Monastery of stunning architectural and historical importance, with the connections between English and Portuguese Royalty, is less than 1 hour by car.

This is a very tourist friendly venue with large squares set out around the perimeter of the Monastery, where you can dine out in comfort at very affordable prices.

Many of our guests have remarked as to how much they have enjoyed their visit to this attraction.

Óbidos

The mediaeval town of Óbidos is one of the most picturesque and well preserved in Portugal. Quite close to the capital and located on high ground near the Atlantic coast, Óbidos has had a strategic importance in the territory. It had already been settled prior to the Romans’ arrival in the Iberian Peninsula, and the town prospered after being chosen by the royal family. King Dinis offered it to his wife, Queen Isabel, in the 13th century, and it became part of Casa das Rainhas (Queens’ Estate), who improved and enriched it throughout the various dynasties. This is one of the main reasons for the high concentration of churches in this small place. You will find a well preserved castle within the walls, and a maze of streets and white houses that are a delight to stroll amongst. Along with the Manueline porticoes, the colourful window boxes and the small squares, many fine examples of religious and civil architecture from the town’s golden days provide a host of reasons for making a visit.

I can’t recommend Obidos highly enough, whilst you’re there and if you have any energy left, why not also have a meal or a snack at any one of the beach restaurant’s at the wonderful resort of Peniche, just a short distance from Obidos.

Ourém

(Portuguese pronunciation: [owˈɾɐ̃j])

is a municipality in the district of Santarém in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 45,932,[2] in an area of 416.68 km².[3] The municipality of Ourém contains two cities: Ourém (about 12,000 residents) and Fátima (about 11,000 inhabitants).

The municipality is bordered by the municipalities of Pombal (to the north), Alvaiázere (to the northeast), Ferreira do Zêzere and Tomar (to the east), Torres Novas (to the southeast), Alcanena (to the southwest), and Batalha and Leiria (to the west). The main historical attraction of the municipality is the mighty Castle of Ourém. Nevertheless, millions of faithful Catholics come to the parish of Fátima every year to visit the site where three child shepherds aresaid to have had visions of Our Lady of Fátima in 1917.

Ourém

Ourém is a municipality in the district of Santarém. Ourém contains two cities: Ourém (about 12,000 residents) and Fátima (about 11,000 inhabitants).

The main historical attraction of the municipality is the mighty Castle of Ourém. Nevertheless, millions of faithful Catholics make a pilgrimage to the parish of Fatima every year to visit the site where three child shepherds are said to have had visions of Our Lady of Fatima in 1917.

Fatima is the main religious city in Portugal, every year tens of thousands make a pilgrimage here from all over Portugal and Europe.

Travel time by car from your apartment is about 1 hour, or take the train from Pombal to either Santarem or Fatima.

Castle of Pombal

Around 1128, the Castle of Pombal, site of a former Roman Castro and Arab fortress, was donated to the Knights Templar by Alfonso Henriques in order to defend Coimbra.
This is a very tourist friendly place to visit with good access to exhibits and views.

Pombal Castle is just a 30 minute drive from your apartment.
The town itself is a nice place to visit with good shopping facilities, bars, restaurants and cafés

From the train station in Pombal you can travel to places of interest such as Lisbon and Porto (both just 90 minutes) Coimbra, Tomar and Fatima within 30 minutes and in fact all over Portugal and into Spain.

The Convent of Christ

The Convent of Christ is a former Roman Catholic convent/monastery in the civil parish of Tomar. Originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold, when the order was dissolved in the 14th century the Portuguese branch was turned into the Knights of the order of Christ, that later supported Portugal's maritime discoveries of the 15th century. The Convent and Castle complex is a historic and cultural monument which was listed in the record of UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1983.

At least a one day’s excursion to Tomar, has to be close to the top of your list when staying at one of our apartments. A mere 45 minute journey by car.

The Convent of Christ

(Portuguese: Convento de Cristo/Mosteiro de Cristo)

is a former Roman Catholic convent/monastery in the civil parish of Tomar (São João Baptista) e Santa Maria dos Olivais, in the Centrol region municipality of Tomar. Originally a 12th-century Templar stronghold, when the order was dissolved in the 14th century the Portuguese branch was turned into the Knights of the Order of Christ, that later supported Portugal's maritime discoveries of the 15th century. The Convent and Castle complex is a historic and cultural monument which was listed in the list of UNESCO World Heritage list in 1983.

Tomar Castle and Convent a UNESCO World Heritage site

The building of the castle began on March 1st, 1160. That date has become the “Day of Tomar.” The building was an issue of military strategy since it was necessary to establish a fort that could defend the borderlands with the Muslim regions.

Visiting Tomar has to be high on your things to do and places to see list, when staying at one of our apartments.
Travel time by road only 45 minutes o take a train from Pombal station.

River Beaches of Central Portugal

One of the best things about Central Portugal and amongst the first things we discovered since being here, were the river beaches. All over Central Portugal the local municipalities have selected a local beauty spot and improved upon it. In the main they have dammed a river, or partially dammed it to make a swimming area and then included some facilities, a cafe usually and picnic areas and places to lie out in the sun. All are unique in their own way and a fantastic way to cool off during the hot summer months.

One of the guests favourites is Mosteiro, not far form the small and pretty town of Pedrogao Grande, it has quite a large and fairly shallow swimming area - the base is cemented so no stumbling over pebbles. There is a pleasant little cafe next to a grassy area which serves a great tuna salad. There is also a well signposted walk which starts here and heads off into the countryside and takes about an hour. Other favourites are the two swimming areas at Fragas de Sao Simao and Loucainha in Penela. All in all quests are really spoilt for choice as there are at least six of these Praia Fluvials within a 30 minute drive of you apartment.

Silver Coast Beaches.

Some of the best beaches in Portugal are to be found on the west coast often known as the Silver Coast Seen here are just a few of them, all are within an hours easy and comfortable drive from your apartment

River Beaches of Central Portugal

One of the best things about Central Portugal and amongst the first things we discovered since being here, were the river beaches. All over Central Portugal the local municipalities have selected a local beauty spot and improved upon it. In the main they have dammed a river, or partially dammed it to make a swimming area and then included some facilities, a cafe usually and picnic areas and places to lie out in the sun. All are unique in their own way and a fantastic way to cool off during the hot summer months.

Silver Coast Beaches.

Some of the best beaches in Portugal are to be found on the west coast often known as the Silver Coast Seen here are just a few of them, all are within an hours easy and comfortable drive from your apartment

Places of Interest in Central Portugal

Buçaco Palace

Buçaco Palace

Castle of Penela

Coimbra University Unesco City

Coimbra University Unesco City

Conímbriga

Conímbriga is one of the largest Roman settlements excavated in Portugal, and was classified as a National Monument in 1910. Located in the civil parish of Condeixa it is situated 2 kilometers from the municipal seat and 16 kilometres from Coimbra.

The Monastery of Batalha

The Monastery of Batalha

Óbidos

Ourém

Ourém

Castle of Pombal

The Convent of Christ

At least a one day’s excursion to Tomar, has to be close to the top of your list when staying at one of our apartments. A mere 45 minute journey by car.

The Convent of Christ

(Portuguese: Convento de Cristo/Mosteiro de Cristo)

Tomar Castle and Convent a UNESCO World Heritage site

The building of the castle began on March 1st, 1160. That date has become the “Day of Tomar.” The building was an issue of military strategy since it was necessary to establish a fort that could defend the borderlands with the Muslim regions.

Visiting Tomar has to be high on your things to do and places to see list, when staying at one of our apartments.Travel time by road only 45 minutes o take a train from Pombal station.

River Beaches of Central Portugal

Silver Coast Beaches.

Some of the best beaches in Portugal are to be found on the west coast often known as the Silver Coast Seen here are just a few of them, all are within an hours easy and comfortable drive from your apartment

River Beaches of Central Portugal

Silver Coast Beaches.

Some of the best beaches in Portugal are to be found on the west coast often known as the Silver Coast Seen here are just a few of them, all are within an hours easy and comfortable drive from your apartment

Visiting Tomar has to be high on your things to do and places to see list, when staying at one of our apartments.
Travel time by road only 45 minutes o take a train from Pombal station.