The Portuguese Pousada Condeixa-a-Nova
is two kilometres from Conimbriga, one of the best preserved Roman sites
in Europe.
Founded in 200 B.C. the settlement
consists of two main houses with magnificent mosaic floors together with
several bathhouses and working fountains.
Beyond the Roman wall are
the remains of an aqueduct and forum.
The local museum houses artifacts
excavated from the site.
Twelve kilometres from Condeixa
is the old University town of Coimbra. It was founded in the 13th Century
and, until the 1900’s, was the only University in Portugal. It has
a rich academic tradition and its law faculty has world wide renown.
The student population is noted for its vibrancy.
The University is situated
at the top of a hill and dominates the old town with its narrow, cobbled
streets and courtyards.
There is a Baroque library,
with magnificent wall and ceiling paintings, which houses a large collection
of rare books.
Another building of note
is the Old Cathedral (Se Velha) which was originally built in the 12th
Century and is a fine example of Romanesque architecture containing impressive
tombs of former bishops.
The silver tomb of the patron
saint of Coimbra, Queen Isabel, is housed in the 17th Century Convento
de Santa Clara-a-Nova.
The beautifully presented
and furnished Pousada Condeixa-a-Nova is a peaceful haven after a strenuous
day of sightseeing.
The accommodation comprises
45 bedrooms all with private bathroom, bathing gowns, hair dryer, air conditioning, cable television, telephone, locker and mini-bar. Some bedrooms are inter-connecting.
Facilities include restaurant,
bar, terrace, lift, facilities for disabled persons, swimming
pool, tennis court and parking. The Pousada is air conditioned.
Dining in Portugal is usually
excellent and the restaurants of the Pousada group are no exception. They
offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.
This Pousada also offers
conference facilities.
Activities in the area include
as hunting, sea fishing, cruises, rowing, horse riding, mountain bikes,
bird watching, and rafting on the Mondego River.
The international airport
at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 126 kilometers from this Pousada of
Portugal.
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