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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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Branch Portugal
Antonio Oliveira (Portuguese Sales Representative)
Phone Portugal: +351 919 054 792
E-mail: antonio@reesin.com
Real Estate & Capital Investment Ltd.
95 Wilton Road, Suite 3
London, SW1V 1 BZ
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Phone: +44 (0) 7005 800 738 (London Office)
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E-mail: sales@reesin.com
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