| BEIRAS |
Stretching from the Spanish frontier
to the sea, the Beiras region of central Portugal provides a
natural link between the cool, green meadows of the north and
the hot, dry pastures of the south.
Coimbra, the provincial capital, is the birthplace of six kings
and the seat of Portugal's first university, reputedly the second
old est in the world. Its old cathedral is one of the finest
examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe.
Occupied by the Moors, Coimbra was captured by the Christians
in 1064, becoming the capital of the country under the first
Portuguese dynasty. The capital was later transferred to Lisbon
in the 13th century.
The excavated site of Conimbriga to the south of the city shows
evidence of Roman habitation as early as the 2nd century BC,
although it was under Augustus from about 25 BC that Conimbriga
developed into a substantial town.
Further inland towards Spain, the peak of the Serra da Estrela
(Star Mountain) range is the highest point on mainland Portugal.
Rising to 1,993 metres (6,539 ft), it is home to a modern ski
resort and topped by a small stone toe known as the Torre. The
region is notable for its tasty cheese, which is still made
by hand and highly prized for its rich flavour.
Nearby, the ancient Roman town of Covilhã is the best
place from which to explore the region, while Monsanto to the
south east is officially regarded as Portugal's most typical
village. Built atop a steep rocky mass in the centre of a broad
valley, Monsanto's ancient castle commands a spectacular view
of the surrounding countryside.
Other towns worthy of note in the Beiras region include Aveiro,
with its salt pans and Venetian style canals, and the pretty
spa town of Buçaco. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
