Immortalized in the verses of a song by Amália Rodrigues as “Covilhã City of Snow”, it was once nicknamed the "Manchester of Portugal"!
Situated on the slopes of Serra da Estrela, it is a verse of history intertwined in the mountains and wool. From its foundation as a town in 1186 to its golden era in the wool industry, and today as a reference university and tourist city in Portugal, it has a lot to discover.
Covilhã celebrates the past and present, with the mountains as witnesses. From ancient walls to renovated factories, the past echoes as the city reinvents itself. Here you can expect a mix of tradition and innovation, where the charm of Serra da Estrela meets the human warmth of its people.
The city, deeply linked to the wool industry, offers an experience rich in culture, history and natural beauty. Before delving into this brief tourist guide to discover modern Covilhã, we suggest you learn a little about its history through from this link.
Impressive Museums: A Journey to the Past
Covilhã is proud of a cultural richness that is reflected in its various museums. We highly recommend a visit to the City Museum, a recent and interactive space that delves deeply into local history and culture. Find out more about this museum here.
Another unmissable attraction is the emblematic Wool Museum, an industry that played a crucial role in the history of the region. This museum, located in one of the buildings of the University of Beira Interior, offers an immersive view of the wool industry that has shaped Covilhã over the years. Visit the museum page here.
New Hand Lab: The Power of Creativity and Innovation
The old António Estrela factory, a living testimony to Covilhã's glorious past, stands majestically on its 17th century foundations. Its prestigious award in 1904, at the Universal Exhibition in St. Luiz, crossed oceans, praising not only the factory, but the entire city. Over the years, the recognition continued, culminating in the "Brillant Pen 1976" attributed to Júlio Afonso. Today, Casa da Lagariça in Castelo Novo and New Hand Lab perpetuate the flame of creativity, offering a tribute to the work of Júlio Afonso and inviting everyone to share this space of free expression and creative passion. To learn more about this multifaceted space, visit this link.
Covilhã Municipal Theatre: Stage of Culture
Initially called Teatro Covilhanense, it was built majestically in 1924 near the old City Hall. Private investment shone from the first show. Over the years, the need for a theater capable of keeping up with the growing demand of the population inspired the creation of a new theater, culminating in 1954 in the inauguration of the Teatro Cine. Decorated with splendor, it presented a variety of shows, with the cinema as the central attraction until the end of the 90s.
In 2010, the City Council acquired the now TMC building, beginning a restoration process that rescued the grandeur of this space, giving it a new life.< /span>
Today the Covilhã Municipal Theater is one of the city's cultural jewels, offering a varied and high-quality program that promises to delight all visitors. Discover the updated schedule here.
Churches and Sanctuaries: Spirituality and Beauty
In the heart of the historic center of Covilhã there are 11 sanctuaries that offer a unique spiritual and aesthetic experience. The "Rota das Igrejas da Covilhã" is a municipal project that seeks to reveal the historical-religious legacy of the region.
Each visit to these churches offers a journey of cultural and spiritual enrichment, which can be complemented by exploring the Museum of Sacred Art and the Sanctuary dedicated to Our Lady of Conception . In the latter you can enjoy one of the most stunning views over the city. For more information, click here.
Stunning Viewpoints
Covilhã is blessed with spectacular views over Serra da Estrela and Cova da Beira. We recommend a visit to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, where your eyes gaze upon the majestic expanse of land that the castle once dominated. From here, our vision gets lost in the distance, as we try to trace the contours of the ancient border with the kingdom of Castile.
We cannot fail to suggest crossing the Carpinteira Pedestrian Bridge to enjoy a unique view over the river and all the manufacturing heritage associated with the wool industry. More information about the viewpoints is available here.
Urban Art: Colors and History on the Streets
WOOL – Covilhã Urban Art Festival, a pioneer in Portugal since 2011, is a true artistic renaissance in the city. With interventions spread across the historic area, urban art is a tribute to the rich history of Covilhã as a wool production center.
WOOL enchants with the diversity of contemporary artistic expressions it brings to the city, but it also challenges the perception of local culture, transforming Covilhã into a true open-air museum.< /span>
This festival is much more than ephemeral art; It is a testament to artistic resistance that, over the course of a decade, has shaped the urban landscape, enriching the city and the souls of those who experience it. Discover more about the history of this initiative that beautified the city here.
Explore the City: Covilhã Tourist Guide
Covilhã, with its rich historical heritage, vibrant culture and impressive natural beauty, is a treasure to be explored. We hope this guide has sparked your curiosity and inspired you to visit the city. Get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Don't miss the opportunity to discover the charms of Covilhã and delve into its rich history and culture.Follow our suggested walking tour along a route marked on Google Maps. It is a 3.5 km walk, with an easy difficulty level and lasting approximately 1h30. This city has a lot to offer to anyone who visits it. Travel with the senses and make memories that will last a lifetime!