Figueiró Dos Vinhos: Malhoa, cultural heritage and river landscapes

A small house that became a studio offers a glimpse into the history of Figueiró dos Vinhos: the Casulo de Malhoa is associated with the painter José Malhoa’s stay in the town. Malhoa died in Figueiró dos Vinhos on 26 October 1933. The Casulo began as a small, originally single-storey house that he may have had built there around 1895. In 1898, another section was added to a design by Luiz Ernesto Reynaud, and the original house was converted into Malhoa’s studio. The building’s development can thus be traced from the early house to its later use as a studio.

Art and architectural history

Different forms of sacred art come together in the Igreja Matriz: its features include a gilded main altar in the style of D. João V, José Malhoa’s painting “O Batismo de Cristo” and azulejo panels by Teotónio dos Santos from 1716. The altar, painting and tiled panels each make their own distinctive contribution. The Convento de Nossa Senhora do Carmo adds another perspective on the area’s architectural history. It was founded in Figueiró dos Vinhos in 1598; the complex comprises a church, convent buildings and a square cloister. While the Igreja Matriz is described through specific works of art, the Convento can be understood through its different architectural elements.

Historical points of interest can also be found beyond these buildings. The Jardim Parque de Figueiró dos Vinhos was inaugurated in 1930. Plane trees line Avenida Padre Diogo de Vasconcelos. The Fonte das Freiras was rebuilt on 17 September 1691 at one of the oldest entrances to the town. The park, avenue and fountain each offer a different way to explore the town’s history.

Village life, river beaches and routes

Casal de São Simão is a schist village with just one street. A path leads from there to the river beach Praia Fluvial das Fragas de São Simão, which lies between two rock faces. There are two traditional climbing routes and three sport climbing routes in the river beach area. They are about 75 metres high and have three, four or five pitches, depending on the route; grades range from IV to 6b+. Check local conditions before climbing, as the available routes may change.

The Grande Rota do Zêzere offers a longer route: it is 370 kilometres long and can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or by kayak. The route passes through 13 municipalities, including Figueiró dos Vinhos. Its scale can be understood both in terms of its length and the different ways of travelling it. Check trail conditions before setting off.

Praia Fluvial Ana de Aviz has a different design. It is formed by a dam that holds back the water of the Ribeira de Ana de Aviz. Local sweet specialities include pão-de-ló de Figueiró dos Vinhos and castanhas doces. If you would like to try them, check availability with producers before your visit.

Plan your journey

Pombal railway station is the closest station to Figueiró dos Vinhos, about 42 kilometres away. If you are planning to travel by train and connect by bus, check the latest timetables. For bus connections to Figueiró dos Vinhos, you can consult Rede Expressos timetables. The roads that provide access to the town include the IC8, A13 and A1. For planning purposes, it is helpful to distinguish these road details from train and bus timetables: the roads are access routes, while public transport connections require checking the latest timetables.

Discover more destinations: Figueiró Dos Vinhos, Arega, Porto De Mós, Foz Do Arelho, Maceira, São Mamede, Nazaré, Bombarral.

Go to the main travel overview: Leiria.