Penacova

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The municipality's toponym derives from the combination of the term “pen” and “cova”, the first of which gave rise to the Portuguese word "penha" (hill or rock) and "cova" (hole) comes from the geomorphological characteristics of the town. Penacova is located 20 kilometers from Coimbra, on a bend in the Mondego, and is branched by high, rocky hills that give it great natural beauty. Its main economic activity is agriculture and forestry, and this is the most significant sector for the municipality. The forest area occupies 70% of the municipality. The cuisine is widely recognized: "chanfana", "migas", fried river fish and lamprey rice. In sweets, Nevadas de Penacova stands out. In handicrafts, highlights include wicker baskets, toothpicks, poplar wood miniatures, tapestries and rag quilts.

What to do in Penacova

Mosteiro de Santa Maria do Lorvão

Penacova

Although the first buildings date back to the 9th century, the remains that are visible today belong to buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries. The majestic Johannine-style church of Mafra and the Mannerist cloister are a special highlight of the monastery. Also, noteworthy are the tombs of Santa Teresa and Santa Sancha, the imposing baroque chair, the neoclassical organs …

Miradouro de Penacova / Mirante Emídio da Silva

Penacova

Also known as Mirante Emydgio da Silva (or Emídio da Silva), who was responsible for the idea of building this place, it was designed by the Italian Nicolau Bigaglia, having been built in the 20th century. It was opened in 1908 and the stone columns were brought from the Lorvão Monastery. This viewpoint provides a beautiful view over the Buçaco …

Praia Fluvial de Vimieiro

Penacova

River beach located on the banks of the River Alva, where you can enjoy the vegetation and calm of the surrounding area. It has a picnic area and a watermill.

Miradouro do Penedo de Castro

Penacova

A group of granit rocks on a hillsidee near Penacova, with lovely views of the Livraria do Mondego (Mondego River's Library).

Moinhos da Atalhada

Penacova

Set of old windmills recovered and adapted for rural tourism.

Penedo de Castro

Penacova

Granite block located in the upper part of the village. It started out being called Penedo do Cheira, as it was located above the town of Cheira, but was later given the name Penedo de Castro, in 1908, in honor …

Biblioteca Municipal de Penacova / Centro Cultural

Penacova

Library with a bibliographic collection of around 14,000 volumes and free internet access points.

Miradouro do Jardim de Penacova

Penacova

Location offering a beautiful view over the Buçaco mountains, the Mondego River and the village of Penacova.

Cruzeiro de Penacova

Penacova

Cross dating from the 17th century, located near the old Castle of Penacova, based on steps of large medieval ashlars with acronyms, from the old castle. The column, in Doric style, is more recent. This cruise has the particularity of …

Livraria do Mondego

Penacova

Grandiose rock formation made up of Ordovician quartzites, located on the banks of the Mondego River. Its name probably comes from the arrangement of the rocks, which seem to suggest a shelf with books.

Praia Fluvial do Reconquinho

Penacova

River beach located on the banks of the Mondego, next to the Camping Park. It has a games field, a picnic area, a bar and a boat shelter.

Igreja Matriz de Penacova / Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Assunção

Penacova

Building from the 16th and 17th centuries with a Renaissance typology. It has a gardened churchyard, from which it is possible to glimpse a large surrounding area. The village's patron saint, Nossa Senhora da Assunção, gives the church its name.

Pelourinho de Carvalho

Penacova

Pillory with a probable construction date of 1514, the year in which D. Manuel granted the town's charter. With an octagonal shaft and topped by a capital with a pyramid-shaped finish, it is decorated with a cross and heraldic symbols …

Barragem da Raiva

Penacova

Dam located on the Mondego River, with cool, tree-lined banks. The practice of sporting and leisure activities is permitted, with restrictions.

Moinhos de Portela de Oliveira

Penacova

Set of old windmills that transformed cereals into flour. Some are in good condition and others are in a high degree of degradation.

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

The best river beaches in Central Portugal

From the Serra da Estrela area to the Santarém and Portalegre districts there are beautiful freshwater beaches.

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Where to eat in Penacova

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Where to sleep in Penacova

Hotel Rural Quinta da Conchada
Hotel Rural Quinta da Conchada

4 star

Quinta da Conchada is a rural hotel located in the immediate vicinity of the Dam Aguieira. The landscape is marked by the presence of the River Mondego, to obt…

Pensão Avenida
Pensão Avenida

Typical House overlooking the River, inserted in a calm and relaxing environment. About two kilometers, there are good conditions for fishing.

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