Discover Pereira: Architecture and Traditions

Pereira offers several distinct themes for a stay: the architectural history of its churches and historic houses, local traditions, and the landscape of the Baixo Mondego. When looking for a hotel in Pereira, you can decide while planning your trip whether to focus on architecture, seasonal traditions or the landscape.

Churches and historic buildings

The portal of the Igreja da Misericórdia de Pereira is considered an example of the rare Barroco Joanino style in Portugal’s Central Region. Stylistically, it resembles the portal of the Colégio de S. Pedro in the courtyard of the University of Coimbra. The church also has gilded altarpieces and tiles made in Coimbra in the 18th century.

The Misericórdia of Pereira was founded in 1574. The Igreja da Misericórdia was built from the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Piedade. The history of the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Pranto also goes back a long way: the present building dates to a bequest made in 1674 by Manuel Soares de Oliveira, who was from Pereira. The chapel also houses a 15th-century limestone sculpture attributed to Mestre João Afonso.

After an epidemic in the 14th century, relatives of the deceased built the Capela de São Tiago as a memorial. The Casa do Despacho e Hospital dates from 1723–1724 and is used as a residence. The Celeiro dos Duques de Aveiro served a different historical purpose: the Dukes of Aveiro had it built in the 16th century to collect grain, particularly maize, from the lands of the duchy.

Traditions and regional culture

Since 1966, the Grupo Folclórico da Vila de Pereira has collected, reconstructed and shared the culture of the Baixo Mondego. Amentar das Almas is also still practised in Pereira. The custom takes place on Tuesday and Friday evenings during Lent, from Ash Wednesday to Palm Sunday.

Queijadas de Pereira are also among the region’s traditions. Ingredients handed down through generations and traditional baking times continue to be carefully maintained. Alongside the historic buildings, cultural traditions and local food culture thus offer distinct themes for a stay.

Landscape and routes

The Paul de Arzila nature reserve lies on the eastern edge of the Freguesia of Pereira. The low-lying wetland covers 535 hectares, including a 165-hectare central area and a 370-hectare buffer zone. Its location on the edge of the Freguesia places it in the wider surroundings of Pereira.

The Grande Rota do Mondego (GR48), a 142-kilometre linear trail, also passes through Pereira. This connects the area to a longer route through the region; the stated distance refers to the linear trail.

Getting to Pereira

The main access to Pereira from the Coimbra–Alfarelos expressway is via the EM-341. This also provides access to the A1 at the Coimbra-South toll plaza. The Linha do Norte railway line also runs through Pereira. On this section, suburban trains run between Coimbra and Figueira da Foz, while regional trains run between Coimbra and Entroncamento. Check current rail services before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Verride.

Return to the main travel overview: Montemor-o-Velho.