Discover the Center of Portugal

The Center of Portugal has diversified landscapes. The interior is mountainous with some plateaus, dominated by the Serra da Estrela mountain.

Let's explore the area and the main landmarks.

The development of the city was mainly helped by the establishment of the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world in 1290, the University of Coimbra.

The importance of the site is so that UNESCO listed the University as a World Heritage Site.

The city has its own version of fado, which is played with Guitarra de Coimbra, a local Portuguese guitar, and sung only by University of Coimbra current and former students.

At Café Santa Cruz, it is possible to check the performance while eating some pastéis de nata.

It is believed that here happened the three Marian apparitions witnessed by three local shepherd children at the Cova da Iria in 1917. 

The kids claimed that the apparition shared with them three secrets, which were known as the Three Secrets of Fátima.

Two of the secrets were revealed in 1941. One secret remained unknown until 2000, when Pope John Paul II opened the letter written by one of the kids.

It is possible to visit their house and understand the humble daily life of the family.

The city was a centre of salt exploration by the Romans and trade centre through the Middle-ages.

But one thing to always remember about the city is its delight ovos moles de Aveiro, made of egg yolks and sugar, and sometimes chocolate.

One of the must-see attractions is the Ria de Aveiro [Aveiro Lagoon], with its boats remembering Venice.

This 45 kilometres (28 mi) long lagoon stands as one of Europe's last remaining untouched coastal marshland.

This is the city of the legendary hero Viriathus, who led his army to several victories over the Romans between 147 BC and 139 BC.

The region is also known for the incredible Dão wine. In the image is the Viseu Cathedral, built in the 12th century.

There is a famous artwork made with azulejos depicting life in the city. There it is possible to see the rural world, like the shepherd with the staff, the cappucha do Caramulo, the shepherd with the stick and blanket over his shoulder and a young shepherd playing the flute. It also represents commercial activities