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...
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.
Who would guess that Portugal has some of the most interesting and awe-inspiring spaces devoted to books? Porto is home to the most beautiful bookstore in the world, Livraria Lello. But, the University of Coimbra in Central Portugal is the location for one of the world’s grandest and unique libraries, the Biblioteca Joanina.
Our lovely, personable and knowledgeable guide for the trip, Silvia Aires from Turismo Centro de Portugal, set our agenda to start at the University of Coimbra. This also happens to be the highest point in the city. This hilltop positioning is no accident. Not only is height an excellent vantage point to see all of Coimbra and the River Mondego, but it is also a symbolic reference to the importance knowledge and education is placed in the heritage and pride of the Portuguese people.
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.
Some of the best life experiences happen in some of the unlikeliest of places. This is most certainly true of...
The Museum of Art Nouveau (Museu Arte Nova) in Aveiro is the coolest new stop on the Portugal cultural scene. The museum resides in the Casa Major Pessoa, one of the most architecturally admired buildings in the city. Building design is attributed to architects Silvia Rocha and Ernest Korrodi.
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.