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A lively and cosmopolitan seaside resort at the mouth of the Mondego River, Figueira da Foz's main asset is its wide and extensive sandy beach.
Local history was made on 1 August, 1808, when Wellington's army landed here, marking the start of the Iron Duke's first campaign against the French in the Peninsula War (1808-14).
What to see: Figueira's municipal museum has a notable archaeological collection, weapons, carpets, photographs and a musical archive. Overlooking the river, the Casa do Paço's walls are lined with no less than 8,000 Delft tiles taken from a shipwreck in the late 17th century. The 16th-century triangular fortress at the northern end of the bay was used by the Duke of Wellington during his brief stay.
Nearby: A few kilometres inland lies the attractive and historic hillside town of Montemor-o-Velho. Much fought over by Christians and Moors, the place is most notable for its ancient castle, which has fragments of Roman stonework in its keep.
 Beiras Region
Oliveira do Hospital
Coimbra
Serra de Estrella |
