Guidebook for the Silver Coast

Robert
Guidebook for the Silver Coast

Sightseeing

Alcobaça Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The Monastery of Santa Maria d'Alcobaça, north of Lisbon, was founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I. Its size, the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built make this a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art.
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Alcobaça
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Alcobaça Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The Monastery of Santa Maria d'Alcobaça, north of Lisbon, was founded in the 12th century by King Alfonso I. Its size, the purity of its architectural style, the beauty of the materials and the care with which it was built make this a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art.
Monastery of Batalha - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. Here a highly original, national Gothic style evolved, profoundly influenced by Manueline art, as demonstrated by its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister.
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Batalha Monastery
Largo Infante Dom Henrique
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Monastery of Batalha - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. The Monastery of the Dominicans of Batalha was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. It was to be the Portuguese monarchy's main building project for the next two centuries. Here a highly original, national Gothic style evolved, profoundly influenced by Manueline art, as demonstrated by its masterpiece, the Royal Cloister.
This garish castle with green towers was originally a Moorish fortress. It was conquered by Afonso Henriques in 1148, completely refurbished in 1450, and so again after the 1755 earthquake.
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Castelo de Porto de Mos
3 R. do Castelo
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This garish castle with green towers was originally a Moorish fortress. It was conquered by Afonso Henriques in 1148, completely refurbished in 1450, and so again after the 1755 earthquake.
Coming up from the city, visitors enter Leiria Castle through the Albacara Gateway. Inside this defensive bastion, there are various historical points of interest that have been well preserved. They include the Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena, the former Royal Palaces and the Keep in addition to wonderful views out over the surrounding countryside. The architecture clearly indicates the medieval origins of this city. It was conquered by the first king of Portugal Afonso Henriques in 1135. He ordered a small chapel be built in honour of Our Lady of Mercy before handing over this military stronghold to Paio Guterres, the first governor of Leiria. Towards the end of the century, the castle walls were reinforced by king Sancho I after the region was finally secured by the Christian crusaders.
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Castelo de Leiria
Largo de São Pedro
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Coming up from the city, visitors enter Leiria Castle through the Albacara Gateway. Inside this defensive bastion, there are various historical points of interest that have been well preserved. They include the Church of Nossa Senhora da Pena, the former Royal Palaces and the Keep in addition to wonderful views out over the surrounding countryside. The architecture clearly indicates the medieval origins of this city. It was conquered by the first king of Portugal Afonso Henriques in 1135. He ordered a small chapel be built in honour of Our Lady of Mercy before handing over this military stronghold to Paio Guterres, the first governor of Leiria. Towards the end of the century, the castle walls were reinforced by king Sancho I after the region was finally secured by the Christian crusaders.
The greatest riches of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park are hidden within its interior. This chalk massif is a paradise for speleologists who will be able to discover grottoes and ravines in its depths, with surprising rock formations that have been sculpted by water over time. Several of these areas are prepared to receive visitors such as the grottoes of Santo António, Moeda, Mira d’Aire and Alvados, that have various support infrastructures. At the surface, there are neither rivers or streams. The landscape is barren, dotted here and there by boulders, fissures and slopes. Notwithstanding this arid appearance, there is a rich and varied range of animal life, including 18 species of bats (the symbol of the Park) that find ideal shelter in the various grottoes.
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Serra dos Candeeiros
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The greatest riches of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park are hidden within its interior. This chalk massif is a paradise for speleologists who will be able to discover grottoes and ravines in its depths, with surprising rock formations that have been sculpted by water over time. Several of these areas are prepared to receive visitors such as the grottoes of Santo António, Moeda, Mira d’Aire and Alvados, that have various support infrastructures. At the surface, there are neither rivers or streams. The landscape is barren, dotted here and there by boulders, fissures and slopes. Notwithstanding this arid appearance, there is a rich and varied range of animal life, including 18 species of bats (the symbol of the Park) that find ideal shelter in the various grottoes.
Bacalhôa Buddha Eden: the largest oriental garden in Europe! More than a sightseeing excursion, the Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is a place for those who want to enjoy moments of tranquility and peace. That’s right, when you go through the gates and start walking in the garden this is the feeling that you will surely feel, peace! It is about 35 hectares full of buddhas, terracotta warriors, lakes, fish, exotic plants and several sculptures carefully-placed in strategic places in the middle of the vegetation. Built in protest against the destruction of the Bamyan Giant Buddhas in Afghanistan (2001), Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is considered the largest oriental garden in Europe. Just by curiosity, the statues of the Bamiyan Buddha were erected 230 km from the city of Kabul in Afghanistan. One was 37m high and the other 55m. These are considered the largest standing Buddha statues in the world.
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Bacalhoa Buddha Eden
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Bacalhôa Buddha Eden: the largest oriental garden in Europe! More than a sightseeing excursion, the Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is a place for those who want to enjoy moments of tranquility and peace. That’s right, when you go through the gates and start walking in the garden this is the feeling that you will surely feel, peace! It is about 35 hectares full of buddhas, terracotta warriors, lakes, fish, exotic plants and several sculptures carefully-placed in strategic places in the middle of the vegetation. Built in protest against the destruction of the Bamyan Giant Buddhas in Afghanistan (2001), Bacalhôa Buddha Eden is considered the largest oriental garden in Europe. Just by curiosity, the statues of the Bamiyan Buddha were erected 230 km from the city of Kabul in Afghanistan. One was 37m high and the other 55m. These are considered the largest standing Buddha statues in the world.
The Sanctuary of Fátima is one of the greatest references of the Marian cult, which is attended by pilgrims from all over the world. The site where the Sanctuary of Fátima is located , Cova da Iria, was until 1917 an unknown place in the municipality of Ourém, in the parish of Fátima. That year, a religious event changed its history and importance forever, when three shepherd children, Jacinta and her two cousins ​​Francisco and Lúcia, witnessed successive apparitions of Nossa Senhora do Rosário. Initially faced with reluctance by the Church but cherished by the people, the phenomenon would only be recognized in 1930 by the Bishop of Leiria. From then on, the development of the locality was notorious, leading to Fátima being elevated to a village in 1977 and a city in 1997. The worldwide fame of the Shrine was accentuated during the papacy of John Paul II, who was devoted to Our Lady of Fatima, who in 1982 went there in gratitude for having survived an attack a year earlier. In 2000, on his third visit to the site, he announced the beatification of Jacinta and Francisco, to whom the Vatican attributed the miracle of a cure.
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Fátima
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The Sanctuary of Fátima is one of the greatest references of the Marian cult, which is attended by pilgrims from all over the world. The site where the Sanctuary of Fátima is located , Cova da Iria, was until 1917 an unknown place in the municipality of Ourém, in the parish of Fátima. That year, a religious event changed its history and importance forever, when three shepherd children, Jacinta and her two cousins ​​Francisco and Lúcia, witnessed successive apparitions of Nossa Senhora do Rosário. Initially faced with reluctance by the Church but cherished by the people, the phenomenon would only be recognized in 1930 by the Bishop of Leiria. From then on, the development of the locality was notorious, leading to Fátima being elevated to a village in 1977 and a city in 1997. The worldwide fame of the Shrine was accentuated during the papacy of John Paul II, who was devoted to Our Lady of Fatima, who in 1982 went there in gratitude for having survived an attack a year earlier. In 2000, on his third visit to the site, he announced the beatification of Jacinta and Francisco, to whom the Vatican attributed the miracle of a cure.
Nazaré beach, with its mild climate and natural beauty, has one of the most ancient traditions connected to fishing in Portugal. The long sandy half-moon shaped beach, which is also the town’s sea front, is known for its grandeur and for the brightly-coloured awnings that decorate the white sandy beaches, contrasting with the blue of the water. This is the beach in Portugal that retains the more colourful fishing traditions, and it’s not uncommon to encounter fishmongers who still wear the traditional seven skirts. At the end of the afternoon on Saturdays during the summer months, don’t miss sitting on the seawall to watch the fascinating “Arte Xávega” (Drag Nets) spectacle, in which nets laden with fish arrive from the sea and the women scream out their wares for sale. If you don’t understand the words, don’t worry – they use codes that often only they know.
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Nazaré Beach
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Nazaré beach, with its mild climate and natural beauty, has one of the most ancient traditions connected to fishing in Portugal. The long sandy half-moon shaped beach, which is also the town’s sea front, is known for its grandeur and for the brightly-coloured awnings that decorate the white sandy beaches, contrasting with the blue of the water. This is the beach in Portugal that retains the more colourful fishing traditions, and it’s not uncommon to encounter fishmongers who still wear the traditional seven skirts. At the end of the afternoon on Saturdays during the summer months, don’t miss sitting on the seawall to watch the fascinating “Arte Xávega” (Drag Nets) spectacle, in which nets laden with fish arrive from the sea and the women scream out their wares for sale. If you don’t understand the words, don’t worry – they use codes that often only they know.
São Martinho do Porto, one of the most beautiful bays in the world! he parish has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, a bay, shaped like a scallop, with calm waters and fine white sand. São Martinho do Porto was even considered the best beach to go with the family in the guide of 2015 beaches of eDreams.
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São Martinho do Porto
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São Martinho do Porto, one of the most beautiful bays in the world! he parish has one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, a bay, shaped like a scallop, with calm waters and fine white sand. São Martinho do Porto was even considered the best beach to go with the family in the guide of 2015 beaches of eDreams.
Sitio is a great place to visit while in Nazare. A Funicular ride up is cheap, get the return ticket, and gives you a fine view as you climb the steep escarpment. Once you reach the top, the views out over Nazaré are spectacular! The Nazaré people’s connection with the sea is reflected in the local handicrafts, in particular the nets, buoys, baskets and traditional puppets dressed in the typical costumes of seven skirts, as well as in the cuisine, with its emphasis on fish and shellfish dishes, such as caldeiradas (fish caseroles), soups, açorda (purée of bread, herbs and garlic) and the dried horse mackerel. The most important feature of the surrounding area is the 7th century Chapel of São Gião, one of the rare holy places of the Visigoths existing in Portugal.
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Sitio de Nazaré
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Sitio is a great place to visit while in Nazare. A Funicular ride up is cheap, get the return ticket, and gives you a fine view as you climb the steep escarpment. Once you reach the top, the views out over Nazaré are spectacular! The Nazaré people’s connection with the sea is reflected in the local handicrafts, in particular the nets, buoys, baskets and traditional puppets dressed in the typical costumes of seven skirts, as well as in the cuisine, with its emphasis on fish and shellfish dishes, such as caldeiradas (fish caseroles), soups, açorda (purée of bread, herbs and garlic) and the dried horse mackerel. The most important feature of the surrounding area is the 7th century Chapel of São Gião, one of the rare holy places of the Visigoths existing in Portugal.
Experience magical sensations! Nature is the keyword in the Pia do Urso Eco-Sensory park. Natural scents, sounds and shapes take your senses on a magical trip. This the first park especially for the visual impaired in Portugal. It's aim is to offer new experiences with different senses, like touch and smell. But do not misunderstand, the park is a wonderful experience for everyone! Traditional features and materials are also part of the park, so visitors can also learn about the history of the area. Along the paths you also cross natural stone basins, which were formed during the course of ages by erosion. They say that long ago bears used these basins as bathtubs. In the shadow cast by the enormous oak trees around the parking you can relax and have a picnic.
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Pia de Urso
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Experience magical sensations! Nature is the keyword in the Pia do Urso Eco-Sensory park. Natural scents, sounds and shapes take your senses on a magical trip. This the first park especially for the visual impaired in Portugal. It's aim is to offer new experiences with different senses, like touch and smell. But do not misunderstand, the park is a wonderful experience for everyone! Traditional features and materials are also part of the park, so visitors can also learn about the history of the area. Along the paths you also cross natural stone basins, which were formed during the course of ages by erosion. They say that long ago bears used these basins as bathtubs. In the shadow cast by the enormous oak trees around the parking you can relax and have a picnic.
The park is located in Quinta das Freiras, where the monks of the important Cistercian Order settled while preparing the foundation and construction of the Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça. The place received the name Quinta das Freiras because the food produced there was sent to the nuns who were in the convent in the town of Cós, located a few kilometers away. This was also the place where the Portuguese soldiers rested after the defeat inflicted on the Castilians in the famous Battle of Aljusbarrota. It is precisely this historical value that sets the theme for the Park. Recreated through not only the surrounding and historical architecture, but also the various activities and shows. The space of Parque dos Monges is divided by several thematic areas: Medieval village Biblical garden Museum of Conventual Sweets Fluvial In the Fluviário you can also find a drinking water pipe built by the monks and which still supplies the kitchen of the Monastery today. It could not be missing, of course, an area dedicated to the famous baker of Aljubarrota, with the right to bread and biscuit workshops! Extreme sports have not been forgotten either! Paintball Canoeing Slide Kart Climbing Archery Arborism Traditional and orientation games So the most radical adventurers also have many activities to do in the park! In the Parque dos Monges it is also possible to find a mini zoo, with otters and turtles. A village of rodents, kangaroos, raccoons, capers, chickens, ducks, in addition to various animals of the local fauna.
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Parque Dos Monges - Alcobaca
N.º 10 R. Q.ta das Freiras
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The park is located in Quinta das Freiras, where the monks of the important Cistercian Order settled while preparing the foundation and construction of the Monastery of Santa Maria de Alcobaça. The place received the name Quinta das Freiras because the food produced there was sent to the nuns who were in the convent in the town of Cós, located a few kilometers away. This was also the place where the Portuguese soldiers rested after the defeat inflicted on the Castilians in the famous Battle of Aljusbarrota. It is precisely this historical value that sets the theme for the Park. Recreated through not only the surrounding and historical architecture, but also the various activities and shows. The space of Parque dos Monges is divided by several thematic areas: Medieval village Biblical garden Museum of Conventual Sweets Fluvial In the Fluviário you can also find a drinking water pipe built by the monks and which still supplies the kitchen of the Monastery today. It could not be missing, of course, an area dedicated to the famous baker of Aljubarrota, with the right to bread and biscuit workshops! Extreme sports have not been forgotten either! Paintball Canoeing Slide Kart Climbing Archery Arborism Traditional and orientation games So the most radical adventurers also have many activities to do in the park! In the Parque dos Monges it is also possible to find a mini zoo, with otters and turtles. A village of rodents, kangaroos, raccoons, capers, chickens, ducks, in addition to various animals of the local fauna.
The Battle of Aljubarrota Interpretation Centre (CIBA) is a project that has been developed by the Fundação da Batalha de Aljubarrota in order to protect and enhance the heritage of the Military Camp of São Jorge. Located in the village of São Jorge, the centre’s exhibition space is an innovative combination of entertainment and education, divided into four sections that help visitors to understand what the Battle of Aljubarrota was and how it happened. The first two sections are dedicated to the Battle of Aljubarrota, looking at the historical period when the battle took place and the archaeological discoveries that have been made on the battlefield. There is also an auditorium projecting a multimedia show that reconstructs the battle and the events that led up to it. The third section is dedicated to a range of interpretations and comments that have been made about the Battle of Aljubarrota, resulting from the different scholarly and literary treatments that have been given to the subject. The last section is presented in the area outside the centre, signalling the different places that proved to be the most important during the course of the battle, fought on the field of the so-called Military Camp of São Jorge. The visit to the Interpretation Centre lasts roughly 50 minutes and the full visit (CIBA and the Military Camp of São Jorge) roughly 2 hours.
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Centro de Interpretacao da Batalha de Aljubarrota
120 Avenida Nuno Álvares Pereira
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The Battle of Aljubarrota Interpretation Centre (CIBA) is a project that has been developed by the Fundação da Batalha de Aljubarrota in order to protect and enhance the heritage of the Military Camp of São Jorge. Located in the village of São Jorge, the centre’s exhibition space is an innovative combination of entertainment and education, divided into four sections that help visitors to understand what the Battle of Aljubarrota was and how it happened. The first two sections are dedicated to the Battle of Aljubarrota, looking at the historical period when the battle took place and the archaeological discoveries that have been made on the battlefield. There is also an auditorium projecting a multimedia show that reconstructs the battle and the events that led up to it. The third section is dedicated to a range of interpretations and comments that have been made about the Battle of Aljubarrota, resulting from the different scholarly and literary treatments that have been given to the subject. The last section is presented in the area outside the centre, signalling the different places that proved to be the most important during the course of the battle, fought on the field of the so-called Military Camp of São Jorge. The visit to the Interpretation Centre lasts roughly 50 minutes and the full visit (CIBA and the Military Camp of São Jorge) roughly 2 hours.

Food scene

O Cabeço is a favourite of ours for both it's food and ambience. Local cuisine, Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, Vegetarian Friendly.
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Restaurante O Cabeço
65 R. Dona Elvina Machado
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O Cabeço is a favourite of ours for both it's food and ambience. Local cuisine, Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, Vegetarian Friendly.
Beautifully restored restaurant in an old building, close to the Monastery. Delightful restaurant serving excellent food and wine at a very reasonable price.
Origens Restaurante
18 R. Alexandre Herculano
Beautifully restored restaurant in an old building, close to the Monastery. Delightful restaurant serving excellent food and wine at a very reasonable price.
If you fancy a short walk from the property to eat, then this is the place to go. Rustic but excellent quality food. This is a typically rustic Portuguese family run restaurant. On arrival you go out to choose your cut of meat which is then served with salad, rice and chips. Good selection of desserts and coffee and house wine very good. Excellent value for money!
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Restaurante Maria José
Nº1/3 R. Q.ta das Freiras
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If you fancy a short walk from the property to eat, then this is the place to go. Rustic but excellent quality food. This is a typically rustic Portuguese family run restaurant. On arrival you go out to choose your cut of meat which is then served with salad, rice and chips. Good selection of desserts and coffee and house wine very good. Excellent value for money!