Count Raczinski wrote about this library in "Les Arts au Portugal" in the following terms: «it is the most beautiful, most richly decorated library that I have ever seen». In fact, the beautiful and noble interior of this sumptuous space, built between 1717 and 1728, clearly expresses the generous spirit of its founding patron. Visitors are welcomed by the king's coat of arms above the great portico at the entrance. Here, students and researchers may consult more than 300 thousand volumes dating from the 16th to the late 18th century, kept in the archives that cover three floors of the building. Inside the library, the walls are covered with solid bookshelves made of exotic woods, composed of two sections, separated by a small balcony supported on columns. The painting and gilding of this wood was the work of Manuel da Silva. The main floor is divided into three rooms separated by arches that are identical to the one in the outer doorway, displaying the insignia of the old University faculties. The ceilings were painted with a trompe l´oeil effect by António Simões Ribeiro and Vicente Nunes, creating a false perspective and giving the illusion of a greater height. On one of the walls at the back of the room, there is a large portrait of the founder, Dom João V, dated 1730.

Seia, a city at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, which can be made a stop before ascending to the top of the mountain.

Sabugueiro, is the highest inhabited place in Portugal, we can see here the famous dogs of the region and with the same name of it: Dogs Serra Da Estrela Also we can prove here the sausages of the region and above all the cheese, for many considered the best cheese in the world: Serra da Estrela Cheese.

Dam at the top of Serra da Estrela

The highest point of continental Portugal and where there is the only ski resort in Portugal

The highest point of continental Portugal and where there is the only ski resort in Portugal In summer or winter, mainland Portugal’s highest mountain is the perfect scenery for a few relaxing days in contact with nature. At 1,993 metres at its highest point in Torre, Serra da Estrela is an area of rare landscape beauty, with striking mountain drops, where you can have a deep experience of the silence of the heights. Take advantage of those moments of communion with nature to observe it, discovering the diversity of plants and birds and the flocks of sheep herded by Estrela dogs from the breed named after the Mountain. You can also follow the course of some major Portuguese rivers from their sources: the Mondego at Mondeguinho, the Zêzere at Covão de Ametade and the Alva at the Rossim Valley are breathtaking places. Or you can admire glacier valleys at Loriga, Manteigas or Covão do Urso and Covão Grande. In the warmest months, the best suggestion will certainly be the 25 Lagoon Itinerary, leading you to some refreshing locations. In cold weather, Serra da Estrela is the only place in Portugal where you can try ski, or go sledging, snowboarding or ride a snowmobile. There are several pistes with support infrastructure, as well as synthetic snow pistes for skiing at any time of the year. This natural park is excellent for trekking, horse-riding or mountain biking. It boasts some 375km of marked trails of varying degrees of difficulty, so you’ll no doubt find one fitting your physical condition. And who has not dreamed of flying like a bird? You can experience the sensation para-gliding in Linhares da Beira, soaring over this historical village - which you shouldn’t miss exploring on foot either.

Covilhã, city where we will finish the descent of Serra da Estrela on the opposite side of Seia and where we will begin the return to Lisbon Lying among rivers and mountains, the city of Covilhã is one of the gateways to the Serra da Estrela. The original inhabitants of the land were Lusitanian shepherds. Covilhã was reconquered from the Moors by King Dom Sancho I, who built city walls to protect it. It became a strategic point in the Middle Ages, especially in the reign of Dom Dinis, who set about reinforcing the defence of the territory. The town was granted royal status by Dom Manuel, who gave it a new charter in 1510, and it was also a land of discoverers. Prince Henry the Navigator was given the title Lord of Covilhã by his father, King Dom João I, after conquering Ceuta in 1415. It was the birthplace of Pêro da Covilhã, the explorer sent to the Orient by King Dom João II, and whose information helped Vasco da Gama to discover the sea route to India. One of Covilhã's claims to fame is the art of making woollen goods. This began in the time of Dom Sancho I, and was developed by the Jewish community that settled here at that time, where they remained until the 15th century. The textile industry, which produced all the uniforms for the Portuguese army during the reign of Dom João V, was given a new boost when the Marquis of Pombal established the Royal Cloth Factory here, making it into the country's largest centre for the production of woollen goods. Due to ecomomic growth that followed, Covilhã was raised to the status of a city in 1870. A visit to Covilhã's historic heritage should not omit the old Judiaria (Jewish Quarter), with its narrow streets and Manueline windows, the Chapel of São Martinho, the Chapel of Santa Cruz and the Wool Museum. In Covilhã and surrounding areas, discover the Land of Castles and Historical Villages, the Wool Route, the Old Judiarias Route, and the Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve, by taking one of the itineraries that show you the region's natural and cultural heritage. Find us on the Covilhã Council website.