The first word that comes to mind when describing the Serra da Estrela Natural Park is "diversity." Indeed, this massif located in the Central Region and encompassing the municipalities of Celorico da Beira, Covilhã, Gouveia, Guarda, Manteigas, and Seia, stands out for its diverse landscape throughout, in addition to being the largest protected area in Portugal, at 101,000 hectares. The central plateau, dominated by Torre (the highest point in the mountain range and in mainland Portugal, at 1,991 meters above sea level) and the glacial Zêzere, is a range completely different from other parts of the mountain range. In winter, …

In 1377, King Fernando ordered the construction of the first church to house the sacred image and accommodate the large number of pilgrims visiting Our Lady of Nazaré. It was later expanded and improved during the reigns of King João I, King João II, and King Manuel. The building is dominated by two tall bell towers with spires in the Baroque style, preceded by a wide arcaded gallery, commissioned by King Manuel to house the pilgrims. The entire building bears witness to the major renovation of the late 17th century (1680-1691). The interior has a single nave, covered with 17th-century …

Located next to the Douro river, it is the most authentic area of the city. Here, you can wander among popular vendors who join in the conversation, choose an esplanade to rest or a typical restaurant to taste the Porto cuisine and regain strength. This site contains numerous monuments, from the statue of São João, work of João Cutileiro, which came to occupy the niche of Fonte da Ribeira that was empty for more than 200 years, to the Muro dos Bacalhoeiros (continuation of Muralha Fernandina) which constitutes a great place to enjoy the views from the banks of the …

The set of the house and garden is one of the most expressive of Portuguese art from the romantic and naturalist period. The gardens, recovered in 1992, English style from the XIX century, have an exotic and romantic atmosphere with a lake and a bandstand. It also has sculptures by Portuguese artists of that time such as Bordalo Pinheiro or Columbano. Dated from 1849, the farm is also called "Quinta do Beau-Séjour". Inside is worthy of notice the decoration at the dinning room made by the brothers of Bordalo Pinheiro, working under the painter Francisco Vilaça. Enjoy the luxurious stucco …

Dating back to the 16th century, this fortress has undergone several renovations over time. This fortification preserves a strong wall with ravelins and a tower and is traversed by a corridor that continues under the vault of the old tower. The reconstruction that took place in 1960 defaced the site by attempting to restore its false authenticity. In the early 20th century, the Compass Rose was discovered, drawn with stones embedded in the ground, which is believed to be contemporary with Dom Henrique. At the Sagres Fortress, in addition to enjoying the cultural heritage and stunning views over the Mareta …

Church with a single nave, chancel and vestry, example of typical Alentejo countryside architecture, which suffered major changes in the 18th century Baroque taste. Religious building adossado the attachments with compartments assistive function. Inside stands a wall with Gallery of Examiners, composed of four padded tables, counter the triumphal arch, apilastrado, with the national shield painted. In the chancel enhances the domed polinervurada coverage of edges, completely covered with murals, tile-lined side prospects, representing the works of mercy and biblical subjects and false Windows, freshly painted with lobes and carved finials. The high altar is in gilt, with Solomonic columns …

The monastery was originally founded by Dona Mor Dias in 1283. In the 14th century, Clement V granted permission to Dona Isabel of Aragon to found a new monastery, which was established on the same site, with the renovation and expansion of the old buildings. The church was consecrated in 1330 and suffered its first floods in 1331. The degradation caused by the floods led to its abandonment in 1677. The church, with its vaulted nave, is an example of mendicant Gothic architecture. Notable features include the remarkable Hispano-Moorish tile panels, the rose window on the western façade, and the …

Located between the Sicó and Montejunto mountains, it measures 22 kilometres. It belongs to the Natural Park of the Aire and Candeeiros Hills and it is formed by limestone that dates back to the medium Jurassic and the superior Jurassic. It is the most important calcareous massif in Portugal. The rare and spaced out vegetation speaks of its calcareous nature. The tectonic phenomena, throughout the ages, created caves and springs. The Natural Park includes a set of rare formations of great beauty, such as grottos, poljes, cliffs, limestone pavements and more. Do not miss a visit to the Arrimal lagoons, …

Located at an altitude of 770 metres, on the southeast foothills of the Estrela Mountain, the small town of Loriga was, until 1855, the siege of the parish, with a town hall, a prison and a pillory. Its name comes from an armour. The valley is quite rich in historical vestiges (the romans, the sueves, the visigoths and the moors were there) and several archaeological vestiges remain: a man shaped grave, a roman bridge, a well preserved part of a roman road and a medieval balcony. Loriga is the main town in a lovely valley that was originated by a …

A Casa das Tapadas está situada no Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela, na encosta Noroeste, em Mangualde da Serra, mais precisamente, a cinco quilómetros de Gouveia e 25 quilómetros da Torre, um dos locais mais visitados da região. Inserida numa quinta, a casa, construída em granito, foi recentemente remodelada e dispõe de uma sala com lareira, dois quartos, um com cama de casal, outro com duas camas de solteiro e uma casa de banho comum com banheira. Este apartamento tem ainda uma cama extra (sofá cama de casal), e cama de bebé mediante pedido prévio, tendo capacidade até seis …