A REGION THAT INSPIRES.
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A beautiful natural area with a river beach and an enchanting landscape.
Vale de Madeira
National Road 324, Pinhel
Cidadelhe, the "heel of the world" belongs to the area of the Archaeological Park of Vale do Côa due to the cave figures engraved in granite dating from Prehistory. The film "Fátima" was filmed here because, according to the director, the streets are as they were 200 years ago and the position on top of a hill allows good light.
This castle would have previously been a Lusitanian fortification. However, it was the Romans who made it grow militarily. During the reign of King Dinis, fortification and enlargement work was carried out, and only the wall with the adarve, cubels, five medieval doors and two sturdy square towers have survived to the present day.
This building stands out in the rural setting of the village, as it houses a pallium: a unique piece of crimson velvet typical of Venice, embroidered in gold, silver and silk, dating from 1707. It also houses missal books, chalices and other antique pieces linked to religious homilies.
The Faia Brava Nature Reserve has the purpose of safeguarding the environment, natural resources and the conservation of endangered species. The reserve is open to all, however it is recommended that the visit is accompanied for a more complete experience.
It was the first private nature reserve to be classified by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests.
Museum where the heritage that characterises the territory from prehistoric times to the present day is emphasised. The visit starts through the reproduction of the cave paintings and engravings of the Côa Valley, then the archaeological materials of Prado Galego and the reference to the Argomil milestone are evidences that help to understand the Roman occupation of this territory. The Medieval period is presented through interactive elements where it is possible to learn facts and instruments that justify the importance of Pinhel in the context of the formation of the national territory. The visit to the Municipal Museum ends at the present time, a present experienced through the testimonies of the people of Pinhel.
The Old Episcopal Palace dates back to the late eighteenth century that, with the extinction of the Diocese of Pinhel, in 1882, was acquired by the City Council that assigned it to different functions. Now it gives way to the Casa da Cultura, where the José Manuel Soares Museum and the Pinhel Municipal Museum are also located.
It houses a significant part of the work of José Manuel Soares, a painter born in 1932 in Odmira. The first rooms display the life and work of the artist, with information about his life path, exhibitions and some awards. It is divided into three parts:
-Illustration: reflects the taste for drawing that formed the basis of his artistic path;
-History of Portugal, where events and characters of the formation of the nationality, the consolidation of independence and the maritime discoveries are presented;
-Landscapes and Monuments, which portray the "rural country" of the 60's and 70's of the 20th century and the monuments, drawn and painted in different artistic techniques, give us the perception of the monumentality that characterizes the territory of Portugal and the importance that these patrimonies still have today.
A multipurpose central space of the town, versatile and comfortable for residents and visitors. There is a small water feature, flanked by a small bar and a mini amphitheatre; areas that enhance the practice of sports, basketball, beach volleyball and table tennis and also recreation and leisure through the existence of tables and benches, a space for the practice of traditional games and children's equipment.
Ermo das Águias marks an important transition in the river valley landscape: the gentle slopes that flanked the river from its source come to an end and the cliffs and escarpments that will lead it to its mouth in the River Douro begin. When walking the trails, the sensation is of being in a wild place, with the possibility of contemplating wild animals.
Residents say that men should not be in the castle after dark, under the penalty of succumbing to the sensual pleasures of the Moorish women and disappearing forever. On the way up to the castle is the Forca dos Lusitanos, the Poio do Gato, the gorge on the banks of the river Côa, and with good luck you may come across some open-air rock carvings. At the top of the walk, you will find a Bronze Age (13th to 10th century BC) Castro, once walled, which is the centre point of the place that looks more like an open-air museum due to its great archaeological, landscape and natural wealth.
It is a residential building, constituted by two floors and a chapel, consecrated in 1770. This medieval nucleus later became a manor house, where the marks of the evolution of domestic manor architecture are visible. The interior still preserves large halls with paper-covered walls, some wooden ceilings and an atrium with 19th century tiles.
Edifício da Alfândega, Largo 25 de Abril 6355-217 Vilar Formoso
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