Vila Cova de Alva: Historic Routes and Buildings

Vila Cova de Alva offers two specific perspectives for planning a trip: its historic architecture and routes through the river landscape along the Rio Alva. The town was a vila and the seat of a municipality until 1836. It is also part of the Aldeias de Xisto network.

History and Historic Buildings

The charter of Vila Cova de Alva was renewed in 1514 by D. Manuel I and in 1540 by D. João III. These two dates mark separate stages in the town's history. The Rua Quinhentista is considered an outstanding historic feature. Together with the other historic buildings, it provides a tangible architectural reference point for the town's history.

The Casa da Praça is a 17th-century building. It once housed the town hall, the courthouse and the prison—three different public functions in the history of the same building. The Solar dos Condes da Guarda preserves the façade of its chapel, which bears a coat of arms dated 1629. The Solar Abreu Mesquita is a house dating from 1828; its features include a covered balcony and wooden ornaments.

Churches and Monastery Complex

The Igreja Matriz is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Natividade and is an 18th-century church. It is thought to have been completed in 1712 and has two interior chapels. The Capela da Misericórdia offers a different architectural accent: its Baroque façade dates from the 18th century. Together, the two churches offer insights into different forms and details of religious architecture.

The foundation stone and construction period provide tangible points of reference for the history of the Convento de Santo António. The foundation stone of the convent church was laid in 1713; the monastery complex was built between 1713 and 1723. The Convento is classified as a Monument of Public Interest. Its church, the Igreja do Convento, preserves a chestnut-wood choir stall with 24 seats in two rows. The staircase leading to the church also has an architectural connection: it is described as resembling the staircase at Bom Jesus de Braga.

Routes and River Landscape

The Caminho do Xisto de Vila Cova de Alva begins in the town centre and runs through historic streets to the Romanesque bridge over the Rio Alva. The GR21.1 follows a different route: it is a linear trail connecting Vila Cova de Alva, Benfeita and Fajão. This distinction is useful for getting your bearings: the Caminho do Xisto passes through the town to the bridge, while the GR21.1 connects three schist villages.

The landscape along the river is also part of the town's character. The slopes facing the Rio Alva have well-preserved stands of native vegetation. There are river beaches along the Rio Alva at Vila Cova de Alva. Thus, alongside the historic streets and buildings, the slopes and riverbank offer further themes to consider when planning a trip.

A Local Food Culture

The Bucho is another link to local tradition. Since 2006, the Confraria do Bucho has promoted Bucho made in Vila Cova de Alva. This is a tangible culinary connection to the town, without implying any specific visitor offering.

Discover more destinations: Benfeita.

For the wider travel overview: Arganil.