RIBATEJO REGION (LISBON AND THE TAGUS VALLEY) + THE TAGUS RIVER: NATURAL,

CULTURAL AND TOURIST FEATURES

Located close to the capital, the traditional province of Beira Litoral has for a long time drew the attention of many,
thanks to its natural and cultural attractions.

This is a region dominated by three main water courses: the Tagus (which is the longest Iberian river, flowing from
the Universales Mountains, in Aragon until São Julião da Barra, in Oeiras), the Zêzere and the Sorraia rivers, which
explains the region’s great conditions for agriculture (floodplains). This is the reason why the settlement of this
region is traced back to the origins of the Portuguese.

Connected to the Tagus, there is the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve. Protected by the Ramsar Convention is the most
important wetland in Portugal, thanks to its function as a habitat for migratory birds (being the Tailor bird one of
them) and other species, such as herons, flamingos and otters.

Besides the Nature Reserve, there is also the Paul of Boquilobo marshland, one of the largest aquatic ecosystems
with more than 300 species of flora (to point out the Narcissus) and 288 of fauna (where one can find the Peninsula’s
most important colonies for herons, with the small egret). It has been classified as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO
since 1981, which gives it an exceptional experience due to its endogenous heritage (Lusitanian horse, gastronomy,
religious heritage, landscapes and traditions).

In terms of tourism, the Ribatejo is popular for Santarém (the national capital of the Gothic style), by their
handicrafts (such a reed dolls from Constânica) and their gastronomy (for example, the stone soup, a soup with a
variety of cured meats, beans, potatoes and carrots). Their gastronomy is so much appreciated that the National
Gastronomy Festival takes place in the Santarém. Bullfighting and Herdsman.

THE KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

During the Middle Ages, monasticism developed, as did the beginning of the crusades against infidels. This
movement ended up driving the rise of religious and military orders. One of this was the Order of the Knights
Templar.

Its origin is linked to the many attacks and robbery cases that were registered against pilgrims, in Muslim controlled
areas, while visiting the Holy Land. To protect them and carry military actions in the Muslim land, many knights and
monks gathered (among them Hugues de Payens) and formed the Order of the Knights Templar (1118).

Even though it was a humble order (since they made an oath of poverty and chastity, following the Rule of the
Templars by Bernand of Clairvaux), they rapidly assumed a position of power and influence (since they established
the most important banking system, which even provided loans to European monarchs). This factor would later
motivate criticism.

In Portugal, the Order had existed since 1128 (by the hands of Countess Theresa), and were essential during the
Reconquest. Thanks to their actions, they received many donations, including Tomar (a city forever linked to this
order).

At the beginning of the 14th century, the Order began to be pursued by the French king Phillip IV (in which historians
claim to have been motivated by financial matters and debt of the crown). In this context, several knights were
persecuted, arrested, and accused of various practices against the code (blasphemy, sodomy and homosexuality).

In 1312, the order was dissolved across Europe. However, in the Iberian Peninsula, thanks to the efforts of the
Iberian monarchs (King Denis among them), their assets were transferred to new Orders, from which we can point
out the portuguese Order of Christ.

The Order of Christ, stayed active until 1834, having along centuries served the crown of Portugal, both militarily and
financially (most knowingly during the Discoveries, since they financed expeditions).

Even though today it serves as a Order of Merit, the Templars are still reminded since across Portugal it’s easy to find
many of their former assets (in cities like Santarém and Soure). The most significant was, without a doubt, Tomar.
While walking around Tomar, the red cross the knights were in their white habit is visible and on top of the
mountain, one can find the Convent of Christ (the order’s headquarters since 1357).

World Heritage Site by UNESCO, since 1983, it is generally known by its exquisite mix of architectural styles, such as
the Manueline style (as it is seen in the Manueline Window, one of the most remarkable elements of Portuguese
architecture), the Gothic (Gothic Cloister), Renaissance, Mannerist and Baroque.

COIMBRA, PART I: HISTORIC INTRODUCTION TO THE TOWN AND MAIN HERITAGE

Located about two hours from Lisbon, Coimbra, located in the traditional province of Beira Litoral, is today of the
main Portuguese cities, in terms of history, culture and tourism.

Coimbra is a city with a millennial history. Its first evidence is from the Neolithic period (Caves of Alqueva), and while
years passed, the settlement changed: first with the pre-Roman peoples (such as the Lusitanians, Celts and
Phoenicians). Then, the Romans arrived (139 a.C) (who made it an important trading center), giving it the name
Aeminium. Besides the name, it is important to highlight the existence of its ancient Forum’s cryptoporticus (in
today’s Machado de Castro Museum).

During the 5th century, the Germanic peoples (Alans, Suevi and Visigoths) entered the Peninsula, and later made
Coimbra its bishopric (589). In 711, the Moors invaded the Peninsula and conquered Coimbra (714), making it an
important trading center and warehouse. From this period, one can find the Governor’s Palace, which later became
the Royal Palace of the first dynasty and, in the 16 th century, the University headquarters.

In the context of the Christian Reconquest (722), the city was reconquered twice: first thanks to Hermenegildo
Guterres (878) and then with Ferdinand the Great (1064). This allowed Coimbra to become the capital of a new
County which would later merge with the County of Portugal (with Count Henry of Burgundy) and later Portugal
(with King Afonso I, in 1143).

From this moment onwards, while the kingdom developed, Coimbra did too, having to it connected several
important moments in national history.

During the first dynasty, Coimbra became the kingdom’s capital and hosted the most important monastic houses for
cultural irradiation during the Middle Ages (Monastery of the Holy Cross). Later, in 1290, King Denis created the
Estudos Gerais (university). Even though it was first settled in Lisbon, it would re-locate twice before settling till this
day in Coimbra, with King John III (1538), remaining as the only university until the 20 th century (giving it the legacy
of “city of the students”.

The second dynasty started with Coimbra, with its first king (John I) elected in this city, during the Dynastic Crises of
1383-85. With King Afonso III, the Royal Assembly moved to Lisbon, and Coimbra lost attention. However, the city
kept under royal eye, receiving many improvements by the hands of monarchs (to point out King Emmanuel and
King John III). During the Dynastic Crises of 1578-80, Coimbra showed its loyalty to Prior do Crato, which later made
it a victim to Spain’s attacks.

However, with the fourth dynasty, Portugal re-gained its independence (1640) and King John IV showed his
appreciation to the city commissioning many equipments (such as the New Cathedral and the New Monastery of
Saint Claire).

In the 18th century, the figure of Marquis of Pombal was linked to Coimbra, since he made reforms to education,
which was now connected to the ideas of the Enlightenment.

During the 19th century, Napolean invaded Portugal, and Coimbra was no exemption, having many students gathered
in support of their nation, forming an army (Batalhão Académico). It is important to mention that in addition to this
initial war, Coimbra affirmed itself in cultural terms with the "Questão Coimbrã" (where students contested between
tradition and modernity) and the formation of AAC (Academic Association of Coimbra) – the oldest union of students
of the country.
In the 20th century, the University of Coimbra saw many new faculties appear. Also, during this time, many students
started to be discontented due to the New State’s censorship, which eventually led to the Academic Crises of 1969,
in response to the lack of freedom of speech in school.

Besides the patrimonial and historical richness, Coimbra has a lot more connected to it: the story of Inês de Castro
and Peter I (a dramatic love story which ended with Inês’ death in the Quinta das Lágrimas), the life of Queen
Elizabeth (princess of Aragon and Patroness of Coimbra, who dedicated her life to charity and God, been today
linked to the Old Santa Clara Monastery and to the miracle of roses) and many portuguese writers, such as Antero de
Quental and Miguel Torga.

Of course, this is not enough for such an important and fascinating city, which has seen its University and various
zones of the city, classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, in 2013.

COIMBRA, PARTI V: THE HOLY CROSS MONASTERY

One of the most important facilities in Coimbra is the Holy Cross Monastery. Commissioned by Afonso I (1131), to
the Order of the Augustines, the monastery has undergone several architectural and stylist changes over time that
have forever shaped the history of this building.

When it was built, it was very different from what it is today. It presented a more simplistic Romanesque style (its
entrance matched to that of the Old Cathedral) and little remains the same (except for the church and the Cloister of
Silence, which later passed over some constructions works).

The first change in the Holy Cross Monastery takes place during the reign of King Emmanuel. He believed that the
monastery and the graves of the kings Afonso I and Sancho I were too modest.

In this context, Emmanuel reorganizes and develops the Monastery (in charge of Diogo of Boitaca and Marcos Pires),
with the reconstruction of new tombs, a new church, and a new cloister in the Manueline style. In addition to this, a
new Manueline façade was also created.

With John III, a new reform proceeded. The king placed the work under Frei Brás de Braga and Diogo of Castilho, one
of the largest Renaissance developments in Portugal, giving rise to the Manga Cloister (one of the best renaissance
works, serving as a symbol of the fountain of life) and a new dormitory and refectory. Besides this, the former
Monastery of the Donas was dismantled, which allowed the construction of the Portaria Cloister (later destroyed
due to the establishment of Coimbra’s Municipality here in the 19 th century).

Regarding the structure, we can point out the façade for its symbolic load and different styles, being inserted
between two buttresses.

Inside, it is possible to observe the church. Constituted by a single nave and covered by a star-shaped ribbed vault, it
catches one’s attention mainly due to the presence of blue and white glazed tiles around the walls (with many
religious references from the 17th century).

In the main chapel, one can point out the statues of the people (sculpted by Nicolau Chanterrene) of the first king of
Portugal, Afonso I, and his successor, Sancho I, surrounded by a sculptural structure of extreme importance and
symbolism (work by João de Castilho).

AVEIRO LAGOON: NATURAL, CULTURAL AND TOURIST FEATURES. CODFISH IN PORTUGAL

The Aveiro Lagoon is one of the most important geographical accidents in Portugal (due to its coastal cords), having
been formed during the 16th century as a result of the retreat of the sea. In an area that extends itself for almost 50
kilometers, it is mainly known for its similarities to Venice, since it has many navigable canals.

Historically, this has always been linked to the prosperity of Aveiro since this function as one of the most important
economical ports in the kingdom.

Today, this exquisite natural site presents an amazing biodiversity, dazzling everyone’s attention with its flora (with
the glasswort – the most important) and fauna (to point out the flamingo, ducks and herons). Besides this, it is also
worth of mentioning the profusion of fish and waterfowl, which attracts many tourists and locals for fishing and
hunting.

Economically speaking, is worth point out agriculture (thanks to the exquisite conditions and fertility) and salt
production (which happens for more than 100 years, thanks to the actions of the Marnotos – the works).

This economical part of the Lagoon is reminded by the traditional vessel of Aveiro: the Moliceiro and the fishermen’s
Palheiros (both important in tourist terms today).

The Moliceiro was associated with the activity of gathering seaweed (the “moliço”, an important fertilizer). These
vessels have a long structure with around 15 meters made of pinewood, which is later painted with colorful colors
and humoristic motifs (found in the prow and the aft).

The Palheiros, today located in Costa Nova, were warehouses used by fishermen to store fishing gear and stay the
night. These houses are immediately identified, since they are the wood houses painted with colorful stripes,
present in every postcard of Aveiro.

Considering the salt production, it started during the Middle Ages and the trade was one of the most important, with
many ships arriving everyday to the port to collect it. Besides this, the port also served as the leaving point for many
ships to the Newfoundland, for the cod-fishing.

Something worth of point out is that inside the Lagoon one can find the São Jacinto Dunes Nature Reserve, known by
its dunes and herons.

Aveiro and its lagoon are thus established as one of the main natural heritage sites, marked by the lagoon,
gastronomy (linked to codfish), its Lighthouse (he biggest of Portugal, with 62 meters) and even water sports.

AVEIRO: HISTORIC INTRODUCTION TO THE TOWN, MAIN ATTRACTIONS, ART NOVEAU,

EVENTS
Aveiro, located about 2 hours from Lisbon, is mostly known by its natural characteristics, which together with its
climate, favored the economic practice (such as agriculture, fishing, and salt production) and population settlement.
However, the city is very different than what it was.

Initially populated since pre-Roman times (by the Lusitanians, Paesures and Turduli Veteres), it was with the arrival
of the Romans that Aveiro, or as they called it, Talábriga, began to grow, thanks to the salt production (which served
as an exchange good). The first t was mentioned as Aveiro, was during the 10 th century, by Countess Mumadona
Dias.

As times passed and people changed, Aveiro's geography also changed. What was originally a gulf, gave way to a
Lagoon (due to the action of sea currents and winds) that ended up creating strands of sand and channels. As the
population of Aveiro always used the sea for survival, while the land advanced, so did the people (since this created
better conditions for the economic practice, since the fixation of water into soil was now possible).

For much of the Middle Ages, Aveiro stood out for its commercial development (thanks to the presence of the port,
salt production, fishing and shipbuilding). It became so important that, in 1413, João I ordered the construction of a
large wall already foreseeing its expansion).

Between the second half of the 16 th century and the 18th century, Aveiro suffered a moment of population and
economic setback due to many factors (the closing of the Barra – due to the sediment deposition - the proliferation
of diseases, the silting of the Lagoon and migration). During this period, it is important to highlight that religion
started playing an important role, with many equipments being built, such as the Church of Mercy and many
convents.

During the 19th and 20th century, the medieval wall is demolished as a way to provide material for the construction of
the new Barra (1802), and a new period starts for the city: the city breaks with the Renaissance, creating several
references to Art Nouveau; the railways, road systems and a new port are created, allowing Aveiro to develop
economically together with the industrial belt of the northern region (mostly with manufacturing units for ceramics,
brick and a lot more).

Around Aveiro, one can find many references that resemble its past: the Lighthouse (1893), the Costa Nova do Prado
neighborhood (known for its colorful houses); the Festas de Santa Joana (dedicated to the patroness of Aveiro,
Princess Joana) and the São Gonçalinho Chapel (dedicated to the patron saint of the fishermen). All this can be
evidence, while delighting yourself with some of the traditional dishes connect to codfish or with the famous sweets
known as Ovos Moles - “sweet eggs”.

ESTRELA MOUNTAIN: NATURE, CULTURE AND TOURISM.

The Estrela Mountain Nature Park, located about 3 hours from Lisbon in Inland Beiras region is one of Portugal’s
Natural Parks and the highest point of continental Portugal, with 1993 meters.

The Estrela Mountain extends itself in an area with more 80 thousand hectares, in two Districts (Guarda and Castelo
Branco), in a geological area mainly composed of granite and schist (something one can evidence while visiting many
towns in the region, such as Covilhã, and Monsanto).

Because of its location, the Estrela Mountain presents a very specific climate due to different influences from the
Temperate and Mediterranean climate. These factors, together with the continentality and altitude, makes rainfall
levels increase and temperatures to go down (allowing the existence of snow). It is due to its climatic characteristics
and its glacial origins, that the Estrela Mountain is represented by the image of an ice crystal.

This climate, since it is so different from others in Portugal, attracts many visitors by its snow and the practice of
winter sports (as ski, snowboard, moto ski and sledding).

Its history is traced back to the glacial period, around 20 thousand years ago, having the first settlements been
evidenced during the Neolithic period (due to the abundance of meadows), since people went to the mountain when
the Aldebaran Star appeared in the sky (being this the reason why it is called Star Mountain). Since that moment,
many peoples passed through the region, to point out: the Lusitanians (in which it is believed to be the possible
place of birth of Viriato) and the Romans. Due to its natural characteristics, much of this mountain remained
unknown until the 19th century, where an expedition took place.

In terms of flora, we have different types according to altitude, with different influences. Some species are the holm
oaks, juniper trees, lawns, and pine trees.

Considering the fauna, it is important to highlight the Serra da Estrela dog (which as helped pastors to accompany,
protect and lead herds for centuries), the Iberian wolves (a subspecies of grey wolf) and the Bordaleira sheep (an
endogenous sheep breed connected to farming and to the production of Estrela Mountain Cheese, classified as
DOP). Besides these species, one can also evidence foxes, eagle, the barn owl and others.

Culturally speaking, this area is well known by its handicrafts made with regional products (for example, slippers,
socks and blankets from sheep wool) and gastronomy

Today, it is nationally protected, since it is classified as a Nature Park (which protects the mountain’s natural and
cultural heritage and balance between nature and human activity), which allowed her later to receive the title of
World Geopark, by UNESCO.