Discover Covilhã: Textile History and Trails in the Serra da Estrela
Accommodation in Covilhã
Covilhã combines an impressive textile history with trails into the Serra da Estrela landscape. Those who want to combine culture, views and activity during their holiday will find various options here for planning their days. The city itself offers museums and historic sites. The PR12 CVL – Rota da Floresta opens up the valleys of the Ribeira da Carpinteira and the Ribeira da Goldra, as well as the area of the city’s Mata Nacional, on a circular route starting in Covilhã; the PR11 CVL – Porta da Estrela connects Covilhã with the Central Massif of the Serra da Estrela.
Textile History and Museums in Covilhã
An important starting point for the city’s history is the Real Fábrica de Panos. It was founded in Covilhã by D. José I on 26 June 1764. During the renovation of the building, archaeological structures from the dye works were uncovered in 1975. These were subsequently classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público under Decree No. 28/82 of 26 February.
The Museu de Lanifícios traces the development of wool processing and the wool industry through machines, equipment, tools, documents, raw materials and textile products. The wool industry was established mainly in Covilhã and the surrounding region. The Museu de Arte Sacra additionally displays more than 600 works of sacred art from the period between the 12th and 20th centuries. The museum is housed in Casa Maria José Alçada, designed by Raul Lino.
Other cultural stops offer different points of emphasis. The Museu da Covilhã is located in a historic building designed by Ernesto Korrodi. The Museu Mineiro is situated in Barroca Grande in the Freguesia Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis and was created from a former fuel depot. At the New Hand Lab, creative work, experimentation and innovation in the fields of textiles, design, media art and cultural heritage take centre stage. Visits are possible on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays by prior reservation, subject to availability and an agreed time.
Trails, Bridges and Mountain Landscapes
For a more active day of travel, the PR12 CVL – Rota da Floresta offers a circular route starting in Covilhã. The route leads through the valleys of the Ribeira da Carpinteira and the Ribeira da Goldra, also known as Ribeira dos Pisões, as well as the area of the city’s Mata Nacional. The footbridge over the Ribeira da Carpinteira is 52 m high and approximately 220 m long.
The PR11 CVL – Porta da Estrela connects Covilhã with the Central Massif of the Serra da Estrela and ends near the Centro de Limpeza de Neve in Piornos. The PR13 CVL – Rota do Granito starts and ends in Penhas da Saúde. The Caminho de Santiago in the municipality of Covilhã also offers a clearly defined route: it runs for approximately 13 km between Ferro, more precisely Pedra do Adufe, and Peraboa with the Capela do Divino Espírito Santo.
Those who want to include the higher areas of the Serra da Estrela can consider the Torre as a point of orientation. It is accessible via a paved road and belongs to the three municipalities of Manteigas, Seia and Covilhã. The most popular road crossings of the Serra da Estrela connect Covilhã and Seia with mountain villages and sights such as Penhas da Saúde and the Torre. In Cortes do Meio, a bathing area is open to bathers, mountain bikers and hikers.
The Right Starting Point for Your Trip
When choosing a holiday apartment, your preferred focus for the holiday is particularly important. If you want to combine museums, urban history and cultural discoveries, you can take Covilhã’s cultural focus into account when searching for a holiday apartment. For days spent on trails and in mountain landscapes, the PR routes, the Caminho de Santiago or destinations in the Serra da Estrela can determine the rhythm of your trip.
Your journey there can also be included in the planning: Covilhã railway station is located in the city centre and is a hub for passengers travelling on the Linha da Beira Baixa. The Central de Camionagem is served by national and international express services. From the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, you can see the landscape that was once controlled from the castle, including the main access routes to the city and the outlines of the historic border with the Kingdom of Castile.
More Places to Consider
If, in addition to Covilhã, you would like to consider other places for planning your trip, the corresponding pages also feature Teixoso, Cortes do Meio, Peso, Casegas and Tortosendo. This allows you to narrow down the right starting point for culture, trails or mountain landscapes in a targeted way.
To the higher-level travel overview: Castelo Branco.
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