Explore Midões through two themes during your stay: historic buildings and the PR1 – Caminho do Xisto de Midões, a walking trail with links to the surrounding landscape. From the 13th-century charter to religious architecture, viewpoints and an unusual riverbed, there is plenty to see. You can focus on architectural history and culture, or on hiking and landscapes.
The Charter and Local History
On 12 September 1514, Midões received a new charter. An earlier charter was granted in July 1257 by D. Marinha Gomes, Abbess of Lorvão, to the part of Midões belonging to her. The two dates refer to different historical events: the 1257 grant applied to the part belonging to the abbess, while in 1514 Midões received a new charter. This distinction provides a more precise understanding of local history without extending the scope of the earlier charter to all of Midões.
Buildings with Distinctive Features
In the centre of Midões stands the Pelourinho de Midões. Its location provides a clear point of reference for finding your way around the town centre. The Capela de Nossa Senhora das Dores dates from the 17th century; its altar is set within a stone arch. This links the chapel’s date to a clearly identifiable architectural feature.
The Igreja Matriz de Midões is dedicated to Nossa Senhora do Pranto and is now known as Nossa Senhora das Neves. Its design has characteristic features of the late Baroque and is classified as Rococo. The dedication and style offer different clues: the name describes the church’s religious identity, while the stylistic features describe its architectural design.
The manor houses of Midões form an ensemble of significant country houses dating from the late 16th to the 18th century. This period spans a longer stretch of architectural history than the chapel’s 17th-century date. The Palácio do 2º Visconde de Midões is a 19th-century building bearing a coat of arms; statues representing the four seasons stand on its roof. The building stock thus brings together different dates and clearly distinguishable details.
The PR1: Between Viewpoints and Special Places
The PR1 – Caminho do Xisto de Midões offers views of landscapes with the Serra da Estrela in the background. A short detour leads to the anthropomorphic tombs carved into granite at Casal da Senhora in Granito—tombs shaped like people. In the Sumes area, the small Rio Cavalos, with its unusual riverbed, is a particular attraction along the trail. The same route thus brings together distant views, tombs carved into granite and a riverbed with a character of its own.
The address for the PR1 – Caminho do Xisto de Midões is Sala Municipal de Desportos de Midões, 3420-136 Midões. Check this address before you set off.
Watermills in Ribeira
There are watermills in Ribeira, one of which is still in operation. This adds another specific point of interest to the buildings and landscapes along the walking trail. If you plan to visit one, check whether this is possible before you set off.
Discover more destinations: Tapéus, Aldeia Das Dez, Ameal, Alvoco Das Várzeas, Caldas Da Felgueira, Coimbra, Coja, Vila Pouca Da Beira
Return to the main travel overview: Coimbra.
