Explore the best places
Heritage in Portugal
Fonte dos Castanheiros
- heritage
Rua dos Castanheiros
1685-585, Famões
Composed of three perfect semicircular arches, topped by a pediment with spandrels that frames three inlaid medallions, the Chestnut Tree Fountain evokes a bucolic and neo-romantic revival. Located on a picturesque farm, it was the first to be explored by private individuals in 1931.
Casa do Arcebispo/ Quinta da Memória
- heritage
Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes
2675-372, Odivelas
A rectangular, two-story Baroque house, of the ecclesiastical palace type used for recreation. The farm and palace were founded by D. Rodrigo de Moura Teles, a notable figure in the Catholic Church, in the 18th century. Currently, it houses the President's Office, the City Council, the main hall, and the municipal auditorium.
Aqueduto das Águas Livres
- heritage
Rua Dom Diniz
1685, Famões
Belonging to the set attached to the Águas Livres Aqueduct, an aqueduct, in stone, created to get water to the Terreiro do Paço de Queluz for consumption of the Royal Mews. The work was created in the place of two sources: the source of Gargantada and do Pocinho and served several fountains and fountains in Queluz. Built by d. João V, in 1731, was only to be done in the mid-19th century. The main section is 14 kilometres in length, of which eight in the municipality of Amadora.
Judiaria da Covilhã
- heritage
Rua das Flores
6200-096, Covilhã
The Jewish community of Covilhã was, between the 12th and the beginning of the 20th century, one of the strongest in Portugal. Many vestiges remain from that period, particularly architectural ones in the area of the old Jewish quarter, in the historical center. There were once two Hebrew settlements, characterized by narrow, unplanned streets and small public spaces. There is a Manueline window from that period located at the back of the town hall.
Museu de Arte Sacra
- heritage
Avenida Frei Heitor Pinto, 9
6200-176, Covilhã
Located next to the Public Garden in a building designed by the architect Raul Lino, it displays over a thousand pieces that are no longer in use in religious settings. It includes works of painting, goldsmithing, sculpture, vestments, and metalwork. Among its vast collection are outstanding pieces such as the Reliquary of the Holy Wood, the image of the Deposed Christ, and the Infant Jesus with the Top Hat. In addition to the permanent exhibition rooms, it has a temporary exhibition room and an internal garden.
Elevador de Santo André
- heritage
Escadas de Santo André, 50
6200-055, Covilhã
Equipped with a panoramic cabin and free to use, it is an excellent means of transport that facilitates pedestrian connection between Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama and Rua António Augusto de Aguiar. Next to the elevator there is a long staircase that seems to accentuate the difference in level even more. The Pedestrian Mobility Plan for this city, rich in steep slopes, includes two other elevators, one of them very close to this one, and a funicular.
Museu do Queijo
- heritage
Rua dos Casaínhos
6200-591, Covilhã
Open since 2011 in the parish of Peraboa, it allows visitors to learn about the manufacturing process of the famous Serra da Estrela cheese, one of the hallmarks of this region. Through a route enriched with 2D and 3D projections, visitors discover everything involved in the production of Serra cheese, from how it was made in the past to modern methods. At the end, there is a cheese tasting.
Ponte da Ribeira da Carpinteira
- heritage
Rua Marquês de Ávila e Bolama
6200-053, Covilhã
Designed to stand 52 meters high and 220 meters long, it aims to facilitate mobility and reduce the distance between the Penedos Altos neighborhood and the city center. This work by architect Carrilho Graça, inaugurated in 2009, deserves to be properly appreciated, having already received several awards worldwide. It features a zigzag design and its landscape integration is remarkable.
Igreja de Santa Maria Maior
- heritage
Rua Senhor da Paciência
6200-138, Covilhã
Located in the city's historic area, it is covered in white and blue tiles intended to depict the life of the Virgin Mary. It is a Neo-Baroque revivalist church with a longitudinal plan, comprising a nave, a narrower and lower chancel, a side chapel, a baptistery, and a bell tower. It was built in 1886 on the site of the former Church of Santa Maria do Castelo. Inside, the Neo-Rococo and Neoclassical gilded altarpieces are particularly noteworthy.
Muralhas da Cidade da Covilhã
- heritage
Rua do Norte
6200-153, Covilhã
These are the remains of an ancient Roman castle, built on a site overlooking the city. Of the original medieval fortress, only a few sections of the wall remain, some integrated into other buildings and not always visible. At the top of the walls is the Portas do Sol viewpoint, which offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the region and where it is possible to appreciate a work of urban art.