Temple from the 13th century. It appears to have been part of a Convent of Benedicts, still in the period when the town was called Nabância. It was rebuilt by D. Gualdim Pais, in 1160, who made it the pantheon of the Templars in Portugal. Its structure presents transition elements from the Romanesque to the Gothic style, the latter being predominant. A large rose window stands out on the façade, surmounting the portico with four archivolts. Over the rose window you can see the mark of the Knights Templar, the Signum Salomonis. In the sacristy, with a 16th century vault, …

This Gothic church suffered several transformations, particularly on the 18th century. On the main chapel it is possible to stand out the most remarkable Joanine altarpiece from the city, the golden carved altarpieces, and pelmets in Rocaille style and glazed tiles panels showing scenes from Christ life. It is alo worthy to mention the sacristy with panelled ceiling, the two floors cloister, the Gothic chapter room from the 16th century, and the central fountain dating from the 18th century. The classification includes the part composed by the apse chapels and the apse, the cloister and the baroque building from Ordem …

Considered one of the largest mining operations in the Roman world, the Tresminas mine began during the reign of Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD) and continued until the time of Septimius Severus. It was likely carried out using an open-pit system, creating the large craters that still bear witness to the human effort in the landscape today. A complex system of galleries was opened across the vein for the transport, disposal, and treatment of the minerals, which remains open to visitors. The Archaeological Park has viewpoints overlooking the mining pits, interpretive panels, signposted walking trails, and picnic areas. Visits …

Stately residence dating from the 18TH century, an interesting architectural ensemble of Baroque style, typically Minho. This beautiful palatial residence, although privately owned, well worth a visit, at least to the outside. Through the iron gate you can see the pretty walled courtyard where stands out the upper gallery alpendrada. In the courtyard in front of the gate there is a fountain lined with tiles and the original Sundial. off the patio, front part to the majestic gate, deserves attention an interesting Baroque fountain, transferred from the Franciscan convent of São Paio of Mount for this site in 1899, and …

This is one of the most beautiful Portuguese Romanesque monuments, with an external appearance resembling a fortified church. The current construction began in 1162, during the reign of King Afonso Henriques. It served as the Episcopal See until 1772 and subsequently belonged to the Misericórdia (a charitable institution) until 1778. From 1785 to 1816 it was occupied by the Third Order of Saint Francis, and after that date it became the seat of the parish of São Cristóvão. The main façade features a magnificent portal, formed by arches supported by columns with decorated capitals. The 13th-century cloister was the first …

It initially belonged to the Order of the Temple and passed, in the reign of King Dinis, to the Order of Christ. It is one of the main monuments of national architecture, where all the aesthetic stages, from the 12th to the 18th century, are profusely documented. The Cloister of King João III stands out, the main Cloister of the Convent of Christ, considered the most monumental and beautiful work of the Renaissance, carried out by the architect Diogo de Torralva. Also noteworthy are the Cloister of Washings and the Cloister of King Henrique, which date back to the first …

Taking advantage of the existing rock formation, this diving source arises through two small caves dug into the same, one of which in broken bow (with a depth of 2.92 meters), creating therefore a barrel vault broken with murária box consisting of the rock itself. Before the two openings there is a patio which, from the street, accessed by two rungs lower quota. The courtyard is flanked by two wash-houses of trapezoidal shape, and filled by the source. One of tanks acquires the function of laundry by andiron, zero. The outer shape is rectangular and has a differentiated design mantel …

Macieira de Alcoba is a typical village at about 18 km from the town of Águeda. Located on the high lands of the Caramulo mountain, between the Águeda river and the Alcofra brook, it includes the traditional Urgueira village (just a little more than 10 inhabitants), the highest villag in the parish. It is located on a rock, with just about 150 inhabitants that are mostly small farmers and shepherds. The 17th century mother church, the Urgueira communal oven and the chapel of Our Lady of Fátima satnd out, as well as the Macieira small dam, the Urgueira Park and …

Considered one of the prettiest gardens in Portugal, the Gardens of the Casa da Ínsua (House of Ínsua) belong to a manor, the House of Ínsua. Its construction was ordered, in the second half of the 18th century, by Luís de Albuquerque de Mello Pereira e Cáceres, governor and captain general of Mato Grosso, in Brazil. The gardens are remarkable for their extension, their originality and the variety of species. They stand out for the rare tall trees (California sequoias, English pine trees, Australian eucaliptus), some of them approximately 200 years old, and mostly for the wide variety of plants …

This is one of the most beautiful city parks in Coimbra, with flowerbeds and leafy trees, dedicated to leisure. The Mondego River forms the backdrop. It features some statuary and a beautiful bandstand by the architect Silva Pinto. On sunny days, there are plenty of activities for all tastes and ages. Electric cars and scooters, inflatable boats, canoes or pedal boats, pedal karts, or a ride on the Barca Serrana (a traditional boat) are some suggestions. If you prefer, go for a run or a bike ride on the four-kilometer path and, to relax, choose one of the terraces overlooking …