Discovering the Center of Portugal
If you want to feel the heartbeat of this wonderful country, go to the center of Portugal. One of the most delightful regions in the country, the center of Portugal has plenty to offer. Spreading between Óbidos and the Serra da Estrela, the center of Portugal is a diverse and exciting region to explore. Not to be missed cities include Aveiro, Coimbra and Viseu. History, nature, culture and gastronomy merge in this incredible place. At the center of Portugal, things are real, filled with memory and charming classicism. Dwell in the many attractions of the center of Portugal: from museums to visits to private estates. From landscaped parks to incredible vineyards and superb architectural treasures.
Center of Portugal: Unforgettable wine-tasting
Its sustainable growth in terms of tourism places the center of Portugal amidst the most interesting places to discover. It is still very authentic and preserved. Anyone visiting this region will be struck by the diversity of the experiences it offers. Take, wine for example. Did you know that some of the best wines in the country come from the center of Portugal? The Dão wine region is perhaps less know than the Douro, but it has been producing exquisite table wines for centuries. Many traditional wine estates in the region are being restructured to produce the most surprising reds. If you’re planning a visit to the center of Portugal don’t miss the opportunity to live an authentic wine culture experience.
A great place to do this is at the Casa de Santar, a 17th century estate with a beautiful noble house surrounded by boxwood gardens and 100 ha of vineyards, the region’s largest extension. The property has been in the same family for 15 centuries and is the most emblematic winery in the Dão region, known for the quality and identity of its wines.
Historic Gardens in the center of Portugal
Garden lovers will be absolutely marveled by the beauty and richness of landscaping in the center of Portugal. Plan a tailor-made tour to discover some of these horticultural gems. The superb Casa da Ínsua, a privately-owned estate turned into luxury boutique hotel and museum. This 18th century manor house just 25km from Viseu is also an awarded wine property.
Historical gardens and parks are some of the highlights of the center of Portugal. Coimbra’s botanical gardens are an example, just as the dreamlike Quinta das Lágrimas. This timlesse palace was once the home of kings and queens. Now a member of “the small luxury hotels of the world” it’s a peaceful retreat in the center of Portugal.
Another place you can’t miss in the center of Portugal is Buçaco. The Buçaco woods are magical and exuberant. More than 700 different botanical species cohabit here in what has been described by historians as one of the “most singular architectural and landscape complexes in Portugal”. Right in the center of Portugal, a wondrous forest waiting to be discovered.
Coimbra and Viseu: two stars in the Center of Portugal
Halfway between Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra is one of the gems of the center of Portugal. Home to Portugal’s oldest university – Coimbra is the city of students, poets and scholars – Coimbra is captivating for its history, culture and beauty. If you’re visiting the center of Portugal and are around town, discover the unique artistic treasures of Coimbra – such as the historic library – and its surroundings.
Viseu is one of the best-kept secrets of the center of Portugal. The historical center of the city is famous for its unique granite buildings, so typical of the region, which lend the city its character. Viseu is home to one of the best museums in the country. Museu Grão Vasco, a national museum, is located at the center of Viseu. It houses a collection of works of art of different types and periods. The museum’s main collection features a remarkable set of retable paintings from the city’s Cathedral, local churches and other museums, by Vasco Fernandes (c. 1475-1542), known as Grão Vasco. The museum’s building, a colossal granite palace, is a work of art. In 2002, its interiors were redesigned by Eduardo Souto de Moura to host the new museum program.
