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Constância in
central
Portugal 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, Constância 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 Constância due to the consistency
with which the town's folk had supported his liberal cause.
Historically Constância 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
Zêzere
and is an attraction in itself. |
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Amenities and Facilities
in Constância
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There are several
cafes and restaurants within Constância offering a wide
variety of food from simple sandwiches through to
delicious A la carte dishes. Although Constância 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 Camões and
library as well as schools, municipal swimming pools and
a sports centre.
Constância 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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Map
of Constância, central Portugal |
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View Constancia, Central Portugal in a larger map |
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Shield
of Constância |
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