Condeixa-a-Nova is a town in Beira Litoral, Portugal. It is best known as the site of Portugal's largest Roman ruins.
While Conímbriga draws the history‑curious, Condeixa‑a‑Nova’s present‑day rhythm offers a quieter complement. Morning markets on Tuesdays and Saturdays spill colourful produce onto the square, where locals barter for fresh queijo da Serra and seasonal figs. The town’s cafés line the main boulevard, many housed in modest 19th‑century façades that retain original azulejo tiles; order a galão and linger while street musicians rehearse an informal fado set. In the afternoon, a short walk leads to the municipal park, a modest green lung threaded with shaded paths that double as a popular route for cyclists commuting to Coimbra. The blend of modest commerce, relaxed cafés and easy access to larger urban hubs defines the town’s understated appeal beyond its archaeological fame.
Condeixa‑a‑Nova sits at the crossroads of two of Portugal’s lesser‑celebrated wine zones: the limestone‑rich vineyards of Bairrada to the north and the cooler, oak‑influenced plots of Dão to the east. Small, family‑run quinta nearby open their tasting rooms by appointment, serving boutique releases that highlight indigenous varieties such as Baga and Touriga Nacional. For the visitor, arranging a short drive to one of these estates provides a more intimate perspective than the larger, label‑driven cellars of the coastal regions. Pair the robust reds with a slice of queijo da Serra curado, and you’ll experience a terroir narrative that intertwines the town’s agricultural past with the evolving palate of Portugal’s emerging wine scene.
Only a fifteen‑minute train ride separates Condeixa‑a‑Nova from Coimbra’s historic centre, making the town an elegant alternative for travellers who crave the university city’s cultural cachet but prefer a quieter night‑time base. The regional rail line runs hourly, and tickets can be bought on board, allowing flexible return times after evening concerts at Coimbra’s Casa da Música or a late lecture at the historic university. This commuter link also enables a weekend itinerary that swaps a night in the bustling student district for a night in a locally owned guesthouse, where hosts often share insider tips on lesser‑known artisan workshops and seasonal festivals that the larger city’s guidebooks overlook.
Municipality in Centro, Portugal Municipality in Centro, PortugalCondeixa-a-NovaMunicipalityTown of Condeixa-a-NovaView of Condeixa-a-Nova FlagCoat of armsInteractive map of Condeixa-a-NovaCondeixa-a-NovaLocation in PortugalCoordinates: 40°07′N 8°30′W / 40.117°N 8.500°W / 40.117; -8.500Country PortugalRegionCentroIntermunic. comm.Região de CoimbraDistrictCoimbraParishes7Area • Total138.67 km2 (53.54 sq mi)Highest elevation465 m (1,526 ft)Lowest elevation12 m (39 ft)Population (2011) • Total17,078 • Density123.16/km2 (318.97/sq mi)Time zoneUTC+00:00 (WET) • Summer (DST)UTC+01:00 (WEST) Condeixa-a-Nova (Portuguese pronunciation: [kõˈdɐjʃa ˈnɔvɐ] ⓘ), officially the Town of Condeixa-a-Nova (Portuguese: Vila de Condeixa-a-Nova), and often called simply Condeixa, is a town and a municipality in the district of Coimbra, Portugal. The population in 2011 was 17,078, in an area of 138.67 km2. It is located 15 km south of Coimbra, and is part of the Região de Coimbra. The town is known for the ancient Roman settlement of Conímbriga which is located nearby and has both a museum and well-preserved ruins.
[edit] The municipality of Condeixa-a-Nova is traditionally a center for agriculture. The municipality has also a number of industries ranging from ceramics to pharmaceuticals (Medinfar). The ancient Roman settlement of Conímbriga is an important tourist attraction.
[edit] Administratively, the municipality is divided into seven civil parishes (freguesias): Anobra Condeixa-a-Velha e Condeixa-a-Nova Ega Furadouro Sebal e Belide Vila Seca e Bem da Fé Zambujal
[edit] Antão de Almada (1718 in Condeixa-a-Nova – 1797) the Grand Master of Ceremonies for the Royal House and first Captain-General of the Azores. Fernando Namora (1919 in Condeixa-a-Nova – 1989) a Portuguese writer and medical doctor.