A 16th-century church, a former volcanic vent of archaeological significance and a restored hamlet offer different perspectives on culture and landscape in Igreja Nova. The Igreja Matriz represents architectural history, Penedo do Lexim geology and archaeology, and Aldeia da Mata Pequena a rural settlement. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Igreja Nova, these highlights can help you choose a location that suits your travel interests.
Church and Cultural Heritage
The Igreja Matriz de Igreja Nova was built in 1527. The doors to the Galilé and the bell tower feature elements of the Manueline style. The bell tower portal, the Galilé portal and the baptismal font were classified in 1950 as “Imóvel de Interesse Público” (Property of Public Interest). The cultural heritage therefore centres on a church with a precisely dated construction and three specifically named features.
Geology, Archaeology and Rural Trails
Penedo do Lexim offers another perspective on the history of the area. It is a former volcanic vent in the Lisbon Volcanic Complex. It is also one of the most significant archaeological sites for the archaeology of Mafra and the Chalcolithic period of the Iberian Peninsula. Two perspectives thus come together at this site: a geological classification and an archaeological significance relevant both regionally and to Iberian prehistory.
Aldeia da Mata Pequena is a rural hamlet with around a dozen houses in the Saloia hills and valleys. The houses were thoroughly restored, despite little more than walls and ruins remaining beforehand. On arrival, you can park in the designated areas and explore the picturesque stone houses, quiet streets and surrounding natural landscape. Both the restored settlement and the landscape are highlights here.
Walking trails run between Aldeia da Mata Pequena and Foz do Lizandro. This offers a separate way to include these two named places in your travel plans; the trails provide a different focus from exploring the houses and streets of the hamlet.
Traditions and Local Highlights
Igreja Nova has been the main centre of the CĂrio de Prata Grande, also called CĂrio de Nossa Senhora da NazarĂ©, since the 17th century. The tradition continues to this day, adding a religious and cultural dimension to the architectural and landscape history.
Fonte da Bica is an old fountain that underwent extensive restoration in 1948. Its water comes from two different mines, named Bica and Barro. Unlike the year the church was built, 1948 here refers to the fountain’s restoration—two different historical dates for two local structures.
Bread-making traditions are also part of the area around Igreja Nova: in nearby Carvalhal, a locality within the same administrative unit, bread is made from special flour blends. The flour is ground by hand in stone mills, and the bread is baked in masonry wood-fired ovens using old regional techniques. The production process gives this local speciality a distinctive connection to traditional craftsmanship.
Discover more destinations: Santo Isidoro, Ericeira, Malveira, Enxara do Bispo, Gradil, Carvoeira, Mafra.
Go to the main travel overview: Mafra.
