Pedreira can be explored through two themes: the trails of the Vale do Nabão and a long history reflected in its built heritage and folklore. During your stay, you can focus on walking and cycling routes, historical details or the annual folklore festival. The Rio Nabão flows east of Pedreira. To the south, a stream rises at Casal da Azinheira and flows into the Rio Nabão.

Trails and a landmark destination

The Vale do Nabão project includes six mountain bike routes and two walking trails. The Vale do Nabão also has the region’s first officially accredited cycling routes, as well as a network of walking trails. The options available therefore include both cycling and walking routes; check locally that the routes are available before your trip. The Miradouro de Pedreira was built in 1928, is a tourist attraction and lies on the Vale do Nabão walking trail. When planning, you can include the viewpoint as part of this particular walk.

The Nabão and its former use

There used to be a temporary dam at the Fonte do Caldeirão spring on the Rio Nabão. It diverted water for irrigation and to operate a grain mill. This former function adds an economic dimension to the Nabão’s significance, alongside its landscape. Check current access conditions before visiting.

Built heritage from the church interior to the village streetscape

The Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora das Neves in Pedreira was rebuilt between 1777 and 1782 with public donations. Inside are two oil paintings on wood dating from the late 16th century. This building thus brings together two periods: its reconstruction in the late 18th century and paintings from a much earlier period.

Older buildings in Pedreira also display different forms of stonework: stone porches, columns, steps made from solid blocks of stone and stone-clad walls. Stonework from Pedreira also contributed to the architectural design of buildings in Tomar’s historic centre. The preserved building stock also includes Pedreira’s primary school. It was built between 1930 and 1931 and is in good condition.

Local history and folklore

Pedreira has a history spanning more than 500 years. The settlement is already recorded in 1530 under the name Casal do Arrife. The Rancho Folclórico “Os Canteiros” da Pedreira began its folklore activities on 19 August 1976. It represents the culture of northern Ribatejo, with influences from Beira Baixa and Alto Alentejo. The Federação do Folclore Português classifies Rancho Folclórico Os Canteiros da Pedreira within the Alto Ribatejo ethnographic region.

Pedreira’s folklore festival takes place every year on the last weekend of June. If you would like to plan your stay around it, confirm the exact dates locally for your travel year. The festival is a specific seasonal highlight; local history, built heritage and trails in the Vale do Nabão offer other themes to consider when planning your trip.

Visitor information

The Centro de Interpretação da Pedreira is located at Largo da Pena 169, Pedreira, 2305-554 Tomar. Check the local arrangements for visits before you arrive.

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