In the centre of Coja, the Ribeira da Mata flows into the Rio Alva; two Romanesque-style bridges shape the scene there. The confluence and bridges connect the townscape with the river. Historic buildings and works of art with distinctive details add to the picture. This means you can get to know Coja through both its river landscape and its architectural and cultural history.

River Landscape and Forest Trails

The PR5 AGN connects Coja with the village of Barril de Alva, following forest trails along the Alva Valley. This brings together two distinct landscape features: a striking sight in the town centre and a named route between villages along the valley. The contrast can help you decide whether you are more interested in the bridges and confluence or in a route through the forest.

Pillory and Chapels

The Pelourinho de Côja is a Manueline pillory. Its prismatic, hexagonal shaft supports a capital decorated with stylised acanthus leaves; above it sits a pine cone crowned with leaves. The form combines a geometric centre with plant motifs on the capital and at the top.

The present-day Pelourinho was reconstructed using salvaged parts of the former pillory; only the base and capital are original. This distinction is important when interpreting it: the overall form described is not the same as a fully preserved original.

The chapels also differ in their works of art and inscriptions. In the Capela do Senhor do Sepulcro, three 16th-century tombstones with Latin inscriptions are set into the exterior walls of the chapel. The Capela de Santo António contains a 15th-century limestone sculpture of Saint Blaise. The Capela da Senhora da Ribeira houses a 16th-century limestone sculpture of the Virgin and Child.

The two sculptures share the same material but date from different periods: Saint Blaise is from the 15th century, while the Virgin and Child is from the following century. The tombstones also date from the 16th century, but their Latin inscriptions set them apart from the figurative works.

Carnival and Earlier History

The Enterro do Entrudo brings Coja’s carnival celebrations to a close. If you would like to connect your trip with this tradition, check the specific event dates before planning your stay.

Coja’s earlier settlement is linked to gold deposits on the Rio Alva and the Ribeira da Mata. Several traces of gold mining have been found along the banks of both waterways dating back to early times; this activity probably drew people to the region. The rivers are therefore part of the townscape and also feature in a cautiously worded explanation of earlier settlement.

Discover more destinations: Ceira, Tentúgal, Tapéus, Vila Pouca Da Beira, Cerdeira, Piódão, Caldas Da Felgueira, Lajeosa

For the wider travel overview: Coimbra.