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Constancia is a
beautiful, sleepy town arranged like an amphitheatre and marks the point
where the Rivers Zêzere and Tagus merge.
There are two parts to the town. The older, historic centre clings to
the hillside leading down to the banks of the rivers Tagus and the
Zêzere, while the new side of the village stands proud at the top of the
hill.
The historic centre of the town is a maze of cobbled streets with
lovingly restored white washed buildings inter spaced with shaded
seating areas, fonts and public gardens. Alongside the River Zêzere
there is an esplanade, shaded by mature poplar trees, with picnic areas. |
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Originally named Punhete, Constancia was elevated to town status in 1571
and a council formed. It was in 1836 it gained it's modern name. Don
Maria II changed the town's name to Constancia due to the consistency
with which the town's folk had supported his liberal cause.
Historically Constancia is best known in Portugal for its association with Luis de
Camões, the country’s national poet and explorer.
Camões
only lived in the village for several years, however
this is something the townsfolk are fiercely proud of.
The gardens adjacent to his former house are open to the
public and it is full of specimens he brought back from
his travels. A larger than life bronze statue of Camões gazes out towards the Zezêre
and is an attraction in itself. |
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The town has a long history with transportation, firstly
with river barges carrying goods to and from Lisbon. Throughout the
historic part of the town there are remnants of this past including the
large stone built slipways into the Tagus. In the 20th century though
this changed to rail freight.
Today Constancia is a destination for tourists looking to
relax on the banks of the rivers which bound the town. Despite it's
small size and sleepy appearance the town is a haven for sporting
activities including canoeing safaris.
During the summer visitors flock to the
village to picnic on the banks of the rivers under the shade of Willow
trees and the amphitheatre next to the rivers provides an excellent
stage for festas. Two of the most popular festivals held in the town are
Nossa Senhora de Viagem, which is traditionally held at
Easter, and Camões
Festival in June. |
Amenities and Facilities
in Constancia
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There are several
cafes and restaurants within Constancia offering a wide
variety of food from simple sandwiches through to
delicious A la carte dishes. Although Constancia is not
a large town there is no shortage of cultural offerings.
The village has a cinema, an observatory, museum of
maritime art, the historical gardens of Camoes and
library as well as schools, municipal swimming pools and
a sports centre.
Constancia is central
located with good access links. The A23 east west dual
carriageway makes for an easy one and a quarter drive to
Lisbon. The town also has a campsite and a tennis club,
adjacent to the River Zêzere. |
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