| Cantanhede, a city in "Beira", is
situated in the centre of Coimbra's district and is one of the principal council towns of
the area. The area, which benefits from a temperate climate, is particularly indicated for
potato and grapevine growing and for milk production. The development is completed with a
flourishing commerce and an increasing industry. The first historical references of the
city go back to 1087, but there are some archaeological discoveries that go back to
Pre-historic Age. |
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Cantanhede is very rich in monuments: The
Mother Church (S. Pedro Church) with a baroque style portal; the Town Hall, from 1553; the
Convent of "Nossa Senhora da Conceição", founded in 1675: Saint Matthew's Chapel; the Chapel of
"S. João Baptista", and the "Casa do Capitão-Mor", the most important building
of Cantanhede that was built in 17th century. There are also various sports
facilities, such as swimming pools, tennis courts and a municipal stadium. In the
surroundings of Cantanhede, one can visit interesting monuments: the Chapel of
"Misericórdia", in Varziela, which is considered a national monument; the
Parish Church, one of the most beautiful churches in the region, famous for its internal
ornamentation; the Chapel of "S.Tomé", in Pocariça, which holds a beautiful
altar piece, and the Mother Church, in Covões, a church from the 13th century. |
| At Febres, one can admire the
"Monumento ao Ourives Ambulante" (monument to the peddler goldsmith), a tribute
to the region's typical proffesion. At Ançã , one can visit various churches and buildings of historical
interest: a Pillory in memory of the French Invasion; the Ethnographical Museum, and one
can visit the biggest church of Cantanhede's municipality, from the Baroque period. At a
short distance from Cantanhede, one can visit the beautiful Tocha beach. |
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