Art and Architectural History

Casulo de Malhoa is associated with the time painter José Malhoa spent in Figueiró Dos Vinhos, where he died on October 26, 1933. The house was initially small and single-storey. Malhoa may have had it built around 1895. In 1898, another section of the building was added based on a design by Luiz Ernesto Reynaud; the original house was converted into the painter’s studio. This makes it possible to trace both a possible early construction phase and the building’s later use as a studio in one place.

The Igreja Matriz features a gilded main altar in the style of D. João V, José Malhoa’s painting “O Batismo de Cristo,” and azulejo panels by Teotónio dos Santos. The tile paintings are dated 1716. The altar, painting and azulejos represent different artistic forms of expression and give the church a multifaceted art-historical character.

The Convento de Nossa Senhora do Carmo was founded in Figueiró Dos Vinhos in 1598. The complex includes a church, convent buildings and a square cloister. Alongside its founding date, the layout offers another way to explore the convent’s history: it encompasses not only the church, but also the convent buildings and cloister.

History in the Townscape

Jardim Parque de Figueiró dos Vinhos was inaugurated in 1930. Plane trees line Avenida Padre Diogo de Vasconcelos. Fonte das Freiras was rebuilt on September 17, 1691, at one of the oldest entrances to Figueiró Dos Vinhos. The garden, avenue and fountain each mark a different aspect of the townscape—from the design of public spaces to a historic entrance to the town.

Schist Village, Cliffs and Trails

Casal de São Simão is a schist village with just one street. A trail leads from there to the Praia Fluvial das Fragas de São Simão river beach, which lies between two cliffs. The connection between the village and the river beach makes the trail itself part of the local landscape experience.

There are two traditional climbing routes and three sport climbing routes in the Praia Fluvial das Fragas de S. Simão area. The routes are about 75 metres high; depending on the route, they have three, four or five pitches and range in difficulty from IV to 6b+. The routes on offer may change; check the conditions on site before climbing.

The 370-kilometre Grande Rota do Zêzere covers a different scale. It can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or by kayak, and passes through 13 municipalities: Manteigas, Covilhã, Guarda, Fundão, Pampilhosa da Serra, Vila de Rei, Oleiros, Sertã, Pedrógão Grande, Figueiró Dos Vinhos, Ferreira do Zêzere, Abrantes and Constância. The different ways of travelling offer varied ways to experience this long route. Check trail conditions before setting out.

Praia Fluvial Ana de Aviz is formed by a dam that holds back the water of Ribeira de Ana de Aviz. Together with the location of Praia Fluvial das Fragas de São Simão between cliffs, this creates a clear contrast in the landscape: here, a backdrop of cliffs; there, a river beach shaped by a dam.

Sweet Specialties and Getting There

Local sweet specialties include pão-de-ló de Figueiró dos Vinhos and castanhas doces. If you would like to try either, check availability with producers before your visit.

IC8, A13 and A1 are among the roads you can take to reach Figueiró Dos Vinhos. The nearest train station is Pombal, about 42 kilometres away. Check current timetables for train and connecting bus journeys. You can also consult Rede Expressos timetables for bus connections to Figueiró Dos Vinhos.

Discover more destinations: Figueiró Dos Vinhos, Arega, Pussos, Vieira De Leiria, Porto De Mós, Castanheira De Pêra, Pataias, Ansião

For the broader travel overview: Leiria.