The Silver Coast, a region full of history and culture
Cities classified as UNESCO World Heritage Cities
The Silver Coast region has a strong cultural heritage with many treasures. Some of the cities that make up the Silver Coast region are classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The monastery of Batalha is one of them. It was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over the Castilians at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1385. For two centuries, it was the site of the Portuguese monarchy where an original national Gothic style, influenced by Manueline art, developed. The design of the monastery is attributed to the English architect Master Huguet. It has retained its authenticity thanks to the original plans and materials and its social and religious role. The monastery of Batalha was classified as a national monument by decree on 17 January 1907.
Founded in 1160 by Gualdim Pais, the Convent of Christ in Tomar was originally built to celebrate the reconquista, the reconquest of Portuguese territory under Muslim rule. From the Manueline era, it became a symbol of Portugal’s opening to outside civilizations. The huge convent around the Templar church includes four magnificent cloisters. The convent retains its authenticity thanks to the original plans and materials and its social role and relationship with the urban environment. The Convent of Christ was classified as a national monument by decree on 17 January 1907.
There is also the Monastery of Alcobaça which is the abbey of Santa Maria d’Alcobaça located north of Lisbon. Founded in the twelfth century by King Alfonso I. Considered a masterpiece of Cistercian Gothic art the abbey is closely linked to the beginnings of the Portuguese monarchy. The tombs of Dom Pedro and Dona Inês de Castro are among the most beautiful Gothic funerary sculptures. The monastery of Alcobaça retains its authenticity since it has not undergone any major transformations. It was classified as a national monument by a decree published on 17 January 1907.
The University of Coimbra and its famous library, which among other things inspired J.K. Rowling for the Hogwarts library from the famous Harry Potter saga. Situated on a hill overlooking the city, the university has grown and evolved over more than seven centuries to form its own well-defined urban area consisting of two elements in Coimbra’s Old Town. It illustrates the interdependence between the city and the university and in which the architectural language of the city reflects the institutional functions of the university. In terms of form, architecture, and materials, each university building is representative of the historical, artistic, and ideological periods in which it was built.
In addition, the Silver Coast includes many fortified towns with their castles. The one in Almourol is considered the most beautiful castle in Portugal. Located on a small steep island in the middle of the Tagus, Almourol Castle is one of the most important medieval military monuments that evokes the memory of the Templars in Portugal. There is also the castle of Porto de Mos which is considered one of the most original castles. The castle of Ourem also has a rather interesting history. The legend tells the love story between a young Muslim woman and a knight. So she converted to Christianity. Fatima became Oureana who would have deviated to Ourem.
Cities full of culture
The ”moliceiros” which are typical boats that sail in the canals of the city.
The “pyjama houses”, more commonly called “palheiros”, which are colourful houses typical of this district.
The “ovos moles” is an essential pastry made with eggs and sugar.
Aveiro
The ”moliceiros” which are typical boats that sail in the canals of the city.
The “pyjama houses”, more commonly called “palheiros”, which are colourful houses typical of this district.
The “ovos moles” is an essential pastry made with eggs and sugar.
Caldas De Rainha
Its thermal springs: The town has a hot water thermal spring which gives it the status of a thermal town where the first thermal hospital in the world was built.
It is the capital of ceramics: Handicrafts is the sector that is strongly represented in this region, especially ceramics.
Barge
The fortress: The city has a fortress from where you can see the beautiful Berlengas Islands.
”La Caldeirada de peixe”: A kind of fish bouillabaisse, a specialty of this city.
The “Renda de Bilros”: The city is famous for its bobbin lace, a craft that has been perpetuated from year to year.
Don’t hesitate to come and discover the Silver Coast, which, as you may have noticed, is a very cultural region.
