Central Archives - Portugal Confidential

Livraria de Santiago – Historic Church Reborn as Modern Bookstore in Óbidos

Greg Boegner — Fri, 04 Apr 2014 18:15:31 +0000

In recent years, the church was abandoned and fell into ruin. Yet, literary champions from popular bookstore Ler Devagar in Lisbon recognized potential in the structure. They corralled support from the European investors to the tune of €300,000...

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Historic Villages of Central Portugal

Greg Boegner — Sat, 01 Feb 2014 13:41:37 +0000

This collection of historic villages located on the eastern side of Central Portugal provides a unique escape from hectic urban life. Each village has its own distinctive character and is worthy of a day trip, weekend get-away or extended holiday.

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Prehistoric Rock Etchings at Côa Museum in Central Portugal

Greg Boegner — Thu, 14 Nov 2013 10:41:41 +0000

The Côa Valley, in central Portugal, is considered one of the most important rock art locations in the world. More than 70 sites can be found here, still in their original positions, displaying breath-taking engravings from prehistoric, protohistoric and historic times. In the heart of this culturally significant area is the Côa Museum.

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Ovos Moles of Aveiro

Greg Boegner — Mon, 21 Oct 2013 12:19:48 +0000

Ovos moles are sweets, originating in the convents, made of egg yolks and sugar, wrapped in a thin wheat crust (the same dough used for “Hosts” in Catholic Masses). The sweets are molded into shapes symbolic of the Aveiro region, such as clams, mussels, fish, crabs, barrels, sea buoy, walnuts and chestnuts.

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Schist Villages of Central Portugal

Greg Boegner — Tue, 17 Sep 2013 16:12:50 +0000

“Schist” is a type of crystalline metamorphic stone. It is easily split, creating a flat surface. For centuries, this “horizontal” stone became the ideal building material to create weatherproof, secure houses. Today, many original homes made of schist still stand and are remain occupied by the residents of the village.

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Quinta São Luiz – Elegant Dining near Coimbra

Greg Boegner — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 15:56:19 +0000

Some of the best life experiences happen in some of the unlikeliest of places. This is most certainly true of discovering fabulous restaurants off the beaten path. Recently, we visited a remarkable restaurant just a 15-minute drive west of Coimbra in central Portugal. It’s Quinta São Luiz in Pereira. With elegant modern décor, delicious cuisine and exemplary service, Quinta São Luiz is a highly-recommended, sophisticated dining experience. Quinta São Luiz first opened in October 2004. At that time, the owners […]

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Miguel Gigante – Atelier de Burel in Covilhã

Greg Boegner — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 10:28:30 +0000

Miguel Gigante, a designer from central Portugal, creates fashion garments and home décor made of wool. He is passionate about Burel, and so are the quickly increasing numbers of clients who snatch up products under his Atelier de Burel, Cool Natura, and Miguel Gigante labels.

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Wool – Urban Art Festival of Covilhã

Greg Boegner — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:05:35 +0000

For the last few centuries, the city of Covilhã on the southern slopes of Serra da Estrela, in the district of Castelo Branco, has been known primarily for wool manufacturing. Yet, in the last few years, Covilhã has emerged...

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