Odivelas: Reservoir, Crafts and History

Odivelas can be explored for travel planning through several clearly distinct themes: the Estrada Nacional 2 (EN2) passes through the town, the Odivelas Reservoir is an important gathering point for various waterbird species, and a basket-weaving tradition continues in the Freguesia of Odivelas. Other points of interest include the Igreja Paroquial de Santo Estêvão, archaeological traces and the PR2 Rota da Água hiking trail. This makes it possible to decide whether your stay should focus on a road route, nature, crafts, religious history or a hike.

EN2, the reservoir and Ribeira de Odivelas

The Estrada Nacional 2, or EN2, passes through Odivelas. The town’s connection to the road is therefore clearly defined. The Odivelas Reservoir, in Portuguese Albufeira de Odivelas, is an important gathering point for various waterbird species. The Barragem de Odivelas was built over the bed of the Ribeira de Odivelas. These local features offer different points of interest for nature and landscape enthusiasts: the reservoir is known for its waterbirds, while the Barragem is notable for its position over the riverbed.

Cestas de Esteira: a continuing craft tradition

The Cestas de Esteira keep a craft tradition alive in Odivelas. The making of these baskets continues in the Freguesia of Odivelas. Plant fibres such as reeds and willow are used, and basket-weaving know-how continues to be passed down from generation to generation. The combination of materials and inherited skills makes this craft a living cultural heritage, distinct from the archaeological traces. If you are interested in traditional skills, this is a cultural highlight in its own right.

Igreja Paroquial de Santo Estêvão

The Igreja Paroquial de Santo Estêvão in Odivelas, also known as Igreja de Santo Estêvão de Odivelas, is associated with a former curacy of the Order of Santiago. The church stands at the highest point of a hill and overlooks the Ribeira de Odivelas to the west. Its historical connection and setting give the building two distinct points of reference: it is part of the town’s religious heritage and is also shaped by its orientation towards the river.

Folha da Amendoeira and the PR2 hiking trail

The megalithic monument of Folha da Amendoeira was discovered in early 1952 in the Freguesia of Odivelas, in the Concelho of Ferreira do Alentejo. The Roman Villa of Folha da Amendoeira offers another archaeological point of interest: the PR2 Rota da Água hiking trail passes its buried ruins. The PR2 follows the left bank of the Ribeira de Odivelas; when Odivelas comes into view, the Estrada Nacional EN2 is crossed again. Unlike the EN2, which passes through Odivelas, the PR2 is a hiking route that runs along the riverbank and past the ruins. Access conditions may vary; check them before your hike.

Discover more destinations: Peroguarda, Ferreira Do Alentejo, Canhestros, Figueira Dos Cavaleiros, Sesmarias

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