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Boutique,
Charming, Historic & Rural Hotels, Bed & Breakfasts & Pousadas
in Portugal
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Central
Portugal - Rural & Charming Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels & Pousadas
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featured accommodation
| The Centro Region is a region
in central Portugal, and its capital is Coimbra. Other cities inside this
region are Aveiro, Viseu, Leiria, Covilhã, Castelo Branco, Figueira
da Foz, Guarda, Pinhel, Mealhada, Pombal, Tomar, Abrantes, Torres Vedras,
Torres Novas, Peniche, Águeda and Caldas da Rainha. It is one of
seven Regions of Portugal (NUTS II subdivisions).
Along this region’s mountainous
border with Spain are a series of fortresses and castles that once protected
the country from its many invaders. Over the centuries, Moors and Christians,
Spaniards and Portuguese have all tried to take these villages, but their
higher elevations usually gave them a distinct advantage. Here, the
more than one dozen fortified frontier villages beckon today’s visitors
to come explore a 900-year history - full of the heroism, epic battles
and romance upon which Portugal struggled to become a nation. |
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Each village has a fascinating
tale of its own to tell. All of their valiant efforts paid off. Today Portugal
boasts the longest-standing border in all of Europe. In these rural villages,
ancient rituals and religious festivals remain popular. Visitors can sample
them and partake in traditional foods such as cheese, sausages and mountain
honey.
In the fortress town of Almeida,
a walk through the narrow cobbled streets can lead a visitor to the ruins
of a once mighty 12-pointed fortress here. One of Portugal’s many Pousadas—an
historic property turned into an inn—is located in Almeida. In the town
of Castelo Rodrigo, a memorial stone marks the place of a fierce battle
in 1664, and visitors can view the remains of the castle, its tower and
a palace here. The town has a small, Gothic church. Just near Castelo Mendo
stands a beautiful bridge built by the Romans.
Most of the castles in this
border region of Centro are classified as national monuments. These stone
fortresses date back to the 11th, 12th and 13th centuries. Castles or parts
of castles still stand at Alfaiates, Sortelha, Vilar Maior, Sabugal, Castelo
Mendo, Castelo Bom, Castelo Rodrigo, Penamacor, Monsanto, Pinhel and Almeida.
A 20-castle route has been delineated by the Portugal government (see www.visitportugal.com).
Sortelha, Castelo Mendo, Castelo Rodrigo and the fortified town of Almeida
are considered gems among them all. |
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FEATURED
PALACE HOTEL:
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FEATURED
BOUTIQUE HOTEL:
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FEATURED
CHARMING HOTEL:
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 Curia
Palace Hotel, Spa & Golf -
European
jewel of the “Golden Twenties” era, combining the grand tradition of Portuguese
hospitality and service. A premier
all-season resort encircled by a large private park with gardens, vineyards
and golf course, where you’ll enjoy one of the largest spas of the Centre
of Portugal, luxury accommodations, impressive and fascinating original
public areas, fine dining...read
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 Meliá
Palacio da Lousã Boutique Hotel is located in the idyllic
district of Lousã, 23 km from Coimbra, 160 km from Porto and 230
km from Lisbon. The building itself is the ancient palace of the Viscondessa
do Espinal, dating from the 17th and 18th century. Its location close to
historically and culturally interesting sites as well as its modern interior
make it the perfect choice for R + R in an exceptional environment....
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 Quinta
Das Lágrimas, Coimbra - Nature, charm, history, elegance,
experiences.... this is the essence of Quinta das Lágrimas (Estate
of Tears), a hotel with soul and character, a retreat of comfort that honors
Portugal's rich traditions of hospitality and gastronomy. For centuries
a private sanctuary that welcomed Kings, Emperors and world figures like
the Duke of Wellington....
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