Discover Vila Nova Da Barquinha

Vila Nova da Barquinha lies directly on the Tagus in very green and fertile surroundings. The town combines riverside scenery with contemporary art, history, science and a cuisine that includes several river fish dishes. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the different highlights: a linear river route answers a different travel question than an art park or a centre for Templar history.

Walking along the Zêzere and Tagus

The Trilho Panorâmico do Tejo is a linear trail along the Zêzere and Tagus rivers. This puts a route with two river connections at its centre. The Centro Cultural de Vila Nova da Barquinha can also serve as another possible starting point. The rivers help orient you along the route, while the starting point offers a specific option for beginning the walk. This lets you consider the route and where to start as distinct aspects of planning your trip.

Sculpture park and gallery

The Parque de Escultura Contemporânea Almourol brings together prominent names in contemporary Portuguese sculpture. Its sculptures are spread across seven hectares of Barquinha Parque. This area is part of the character of the art display: sculpture is spread throughout the park. The Galeria do Parque offers a different range of art. Curated by Fundação EDP, it is dedicated to contemporary Portuguese artists working in painting, drawing, sculpture and photography. While sculpture defines the sculpture park, the gallery covers several art forms. Its exhibition programme may change; if particular exhibitions are important to your trip, check the current programme in advance.

Templar history and cultural heritage

The Centro de Interpretação Templário de Almourol is Portugal’s first centre of its kind. It has a permanent exhibition, a space for temporary exhibitions and a multimedia room dedicated to the Templars. There is also a room for a virtual, immersive visit to Almourol Castle. The centre thus features a permanent exhibition as well as changing displays and a digital castle experience.

The Igreja da Atalaia is also located in the municipality of Vila Nova da Barquinha. Its Renaissance portal is attributed to João de Ruão. The Praça de Touros de Vila Nova da Barquinha is Portugal’s second-oldest bullring. These two places offer different points of interest: one is an architectural portal with an attribution, the other the history of a bullring.

Science and local cuisine

The Centro Integrado de Educação em Ciências is located at Rua D. Maria II, 2260-434 Vila Nova da Barquinha. It is divided into six thematic areas with interactive modules connected to local history and culture. Children can explore science, develop inventions and test them. Its connection to local history sets the centre apart from a general overview of scientific topics; the inventions and tests also give children an active role.

Local cuisine offers another highlight. It includes river fish dishes such as caldeiradas, fish soup, Fataça na Telha, Açorda de Sável and fisherman's-style eels. If you would like to try particular dishes, bear in mind that availability may vary from one restaurant to another. Then check the details of the specific hotel offer to suit your personal needs.

Discover more destinations: Tancos.

Go to the main travel overview: Vila Nova Da Barquinha.