Figueiró dos Vinhos

Pedro Afonso, son of King D. Afonso Henriques, signed the charter of Figueiró dos Vinhos in 1204, which was subsequently confirmed by King Sancho I and King Afonso II. You cannot miss a visit to the Carmelites Convent, founded by D. Pero d’Alcáçova de Vasconcelos in 1601. The Parish Church deserves a long visit: St John the Baptist, its patron saint, is on the altar in front of the renaissance portal. Inside, the baroque woodcarving of the main altar is significantly enhanced by a panel of the Baptism of Christ, painted by Master José Malhoa in 1904. Malhoa must have looked many times to the gothic tombstone of Rui Vasquez Ribeiro, at the entrance of the church. Towards the end of the 19th century, José Malhoa built his Studio in Rua do Colégio. Later, in 1898, with the design of Architect Ernesto Reinaldo and the assistance of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro, he built his house. The house where he read, took refuge from the world, and where in the evenings, stories of the literature, arts and politics were shared by the members of the Clube Figueiroense.

The Alge River and the alders and the willows that follow the watercourse served as an inspiration. The same is said of the kind people with a smile on their faces and simple traditions.

The cliffs of S. Simão have always impressed him: a silent world where the blue sky is torn by the flight of a bird of prey.These are the exuberant views that one should look for in Figueiró dos Vinhos: return to the places of Master Malhoa and discover, in long walks, how the houses are set in the small villages. They are part of the view as far as the mouth of the Alge River.There are fluvial beaches at the Cliffs of S. Simão and in the Alge. The dams of Castelo de Bode and Bouçã have wonderful fishing spots, well known to the fishermen. There is trout, black bass, carp and barbel making the wait worthwhile.

And after discovering all this there is still the cuisine: from the abundant fish of the river, the meats; the lamb normally served only on weddings is now served every day. The sweets, as “Pão-de-ló”, “Queijinhos do céu”, “Castanhas doces" and "Pingos de tocha” are part of the menu.