Amadora between aqueduct, archaeology and parks

The Aqueduto Geral das Águas Livres is an important testament to Amadora’s historic heritage. About 8 km of its 14 km main section lie within the Município da Amadora. In the Freguesia Águas Livres, the aqueduct has 19 arches; the tallest is 18 m high and spans 8.5 m. The Aqueduto das Águas Livres, together with its branches and associated components, is fully classified as a National Monument.

Aqueduct, bridge and archaeological traces

The Ponte Filipina, also known as the Ponte de Carenque de Baixo, is also worth seeing for its built heritage: the structure dates from the 17th century and has significant historical and architectural value. The bridge is currently used exclusively by pedestrians.

The Necrópole de Carenque consists of three collective tombs cut into limestone outcrops. The exposed structures of the Villa Romana da Quinta da Bolacha reveal a different period: built in the 3rd century, they were altered in the 4th century and remained inhabited until the middle of that century. The Museu Municipal de Arqueologia offers guided visits to the villa for groups and schools from within and outside the Município da Amadora, by prior arrangement. If you are planning such a visit, arrange it in advance.

Houses, collections and culture

The Casa Roque Gameiro was built between 1898 and 1901 as the home of watercolour painter Alfredo Roque Gameiro and his family. The family dining room features a remarkable tile design by Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro with naturalistic motifs. The Casal da Falagueira de Cima is a 16th-century manor house of historical, architectural and archaeological significance. It belonged to the Order of Malta, as shown by boundary stones bearing its cross.

The Museu da Amadora comprises several museum units: its main site is the Núcleo Museológico do Casal da Falagueira; it also includes the Núcleo Museológico da Necrópole de Carenque, the Núcleo Museológico do Moinho do Penedo, the cultural collections depots and the Casa Roque Gameiro. The permanent exhibitions cover early human settlement, rural history, the Aqueduto das Águas Livres and Amadora’s aviation history. Exhibitions may be updated; check what is currently on offer if a particular subject is important to your visit. The Núcleo Museológico do Moinho do Penedo is the only windmill in the Município da Amadora open to the public.

Other cultural venues add to these themes: the Recreios da Amadora hosts theatre, dance, music, cinema and public commemorative events; its façade is classified as a property of municipal interest. The Galeria Municipal Artur Bual organises exhibitions and cultural projects. The Bedeteca da Amadora and the Biblioteca Municipal Fernando Piteira Santos offer storytimes, workshops, reading clubs and exhibitions; individual activities and dates may change.

Green trails and different distances

The Parque Aventura covers about 5 ha. Its landscaped areas are intended for pedestrians and cyclists, and the Ribeira da Falagueira runs along the entire length of the park. Facilities include a mini-golf course, a traffic school for children and large playgrounds.

Two linear trails, each 4.5 km long, start at the Parque Aventura: Os Aquedutos na Amadora, Percurso C, is rated easy; De São Brás à Buraca is rated easy to moderate. The 16.2 km Da Buraca às Mães de Água trail is rated moderate and passes through Amadora’s aqueduct landscape. The distance and difficulty ratings help you compare the routes; check trail conditions before setting out.

For a shorter outing, the Parque das Artes e do Desporto offers a 3 km loop and space for walking, running and cycling. The Parque Central is divided into three distinct areas: Jardim Zeca Afonso, Jardim do Lago and the sports zone; its recreational areas are designed with families in mind. The Jardim Amadora Este has a cycle path and a two-lane footpath. It starts at Amadora-Este metro station and follows the Estrada dos Salgados to Alfornelos.

Comics and events

Amadora BD is an annual international festival celebrating comics from around the world. The Prémios de Banda Desenhada da Amadora annually recognise outstanding Portuguese and international comics published in Portugal. The main venue includes a 950 m² exhibition area, a retail area of the same size, spaces for autograph sessions, presentations and launches, and a 250 m² gaming area. The layout may change between editions; check the details for the relevant edition when planning a visit.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Amadora, Tondela, Paço De Arcos, Monte De Caparica, Odivelas, Cadaval, Sintra, Santa Iria De Azoia.

Return to the main travel overview: Lisbon.