Urban Art: Swallows (andorinhas)
The swallow is a cherished and popular symbol of home and return in Portugal. This piece, part of the street art route, takes up this very motif, located just a few steps from the main square.
Portugal
Covilhã
CityCulture
Covilhã, on Serra da Estrela's eastern slope, was for centuries Portugal's wool town. Today, the Universidade da Beira Interior, old factories, and much street art shape the image.
by Felix Gillen
Covilhã, on Serra da Estrela's eastern slope, was for centuries Portugal's wool town. Today, the Universidade da Beira Interior, old factories, and much street art shape the image. From here, you quickly reach the Torre.
Sights in Covilhã
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Estátua Rei Dom Luís
Statue of King Luís I. in the city center. A quick stop on your way through the Old Town.
Urban Art: ATuna
Large-format mural on the street art route in the Old Town, near Praça do Município.
Murale da Covilhã
Another mural on the route, in the lower part of the Old Town. If you want to see all the works, plan two to three hours and good shoes – it's constantly up and down.
Street Art Route
Since 2011, the WOOL Festival has brought international artists to Covilhã, painting facades in the steep old town. There are now dozens of works, many reflecting the city's wool and textile history. The best way to follow the route is on foot from Praça do Município.
Janela Manuelina
Window in the Manueline style, the Portuguese Late Gothic style of the early 16th century, with twisted ropes and plant ornaments. One of the few preserved details from this period in the Old Town.
City walks in Covilhã
Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.
Covilhã: Traces of Wool and Urban Art
Discover Covilhã on a relaxed walk through its historic lanes and modern neighborhoods. Immerse yourself in the town's rich wool tradition, admire impressive street art and enjoy breathtaking views over the Serra da Estrela.
Stops (6)
Dining & Drinks
Culture
The sheep herds of the Serra provided the wool, the mountain streams the hydropower: This made Covilhã the centre of the Portuguese textile industry. With the decline of the factories in the 20th century, the university arrived, taking over many of the old halls. Since 2011, the WOOL Festival has been painting facades in the old town, with many motifs alluding to its textile history.Mountain cheese from the Serra da Estrela, kid, and regional cured meats are served.
Traveling
Explore the old town on foot, but be prepared for many ascents. Covilhã has a train station on the Linha da Beira Baixa with trains to Lisbon and Guarda. You can practically only reach the Serra da Estrela and Torre by car. In winter, the road up can be closed due to snow.
Accommodations in Covilhã
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Campgrounds in Covilhã
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Plan your trip to Covilhã
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