On 26 June 1764, D. José I founded the Real Fábrica de Panos in Covilhã. Wool processing here is more than a date: the Museu de Lanifícios showcases its technological development through machines, equipment, tools, documents, raw materials and textile products. Its focus is on wool processing and the wool industry, which became established primarily in Covilhã and the region. The story thus leads from the founding of a specific factory to the materials and tools that help trace the development of this industry.
Textile history and new design
Archaeological traces of the dye works are also part of this history. Structures from the dye works of the Real Fábrica de Panos, uncovered during building renovations in 1975, were subsequently classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público by Decree No. 28/82 of 26 February.
New Hand Lab promotes creative work, experimentation and innovation in Covilhã in the fields of textiles, design, media art and cultural heritage. Visits are possible on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays by prior reservation, subject to availability and an agreed time. This makes it easy to plan a visit if you are interested in these creative fields.
The Museu Mineiro is located in Barroca Grande, in the parish of Aldeia de São Francisco de Assis. It was established in a former fuel depot. The building itself is part of the museum’s story: it was once used as a depot.
Art and architecture
The Museu de Arte Sacra houses more than 600 works of sacred art dating from the 12th to the 20th century. It is located in Casa Maria José Alçada, designed by Raul Lino. The Museu da Covilhã, in turn, is housed in a historic building by Ernesto Korrodi. The wool industry and sacred art are presented side by side, with two specific architectural references: Casa Maria José Alçada, designed by Raul Lino, and the historic Museu da Covilhã building by Ernesto Korrodi.
Trails with different starting points
The PR12 CVL – Rota da Floresta is a circular trail starting in Covilhã. It explores the valleys of Ribeira da Carpinteira and Ribeira da Goldra, also known as Ribeira dos Pisões, as well as the area of the city’s Mata Nacional. 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.
Another route in the municipality of Covilhã is the Caminho de Santiago: it runs for approximately 13 km between Ferro (Pedra do Adufe) and Peraboa (Capela do Divino Espírito Santo). The PR13 CVL – Rota do Granito starts and ends in Penhas da Saúde. The routes are already clearly distinguished by their starting and ending points: from a circular trail starting in Covilhã, to a route connecting with the Central Massif, to a trail between two places and a route with the same start and end point.
Viewed regionally, the most popular road crossings of the Serra da Estrela connect Covilhã and Seia with mountain villages and attractions such as Penhas da Saúde and the Torre. The Torre can be reached by paved road and is shared by the three municipalities of Manteigas, Seia and Covilhã. In Cortes do Meio, the bathing area is open to swimmers, mountain bikers and hikers; swimming is seasonal.
City views and getting here
From Miradouro das Portas do Sol, you can make out the landscape once watched over from the castle. This includes the city’s main access routes and the outline of its historic boundary with the Kingdom of Castile. A different perspective is offered by the footbridge over Ribeira da Carpinteira: it is 52 m high and approximately 220 m long.
For rail travel, Covilhã station is in the city centre and serves as a hub for passengers on the Linha da Beira Baixa. The Central de Camionagem is served by national and international express services. If you plan to take a particular service, you can check the relevant timetables before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Cortes do Meio, Covilhã, Teixoso, Peso, Casegas, Tortosendo, Vila De Rei, Orca.
For the broader travel overview: Castelo Branco.
