São João da Madeira

The origin of São João da Madeira date of remote times, as the show traces of Celtic civilizations, Roman, Visigothic, and Arabic there found. However, it is only in 1088 that if references São João da Madeira in written sources. Integrated in the Porto metropolitan area since 2004, the County (established only by the city of São João da Madeira) occupies a prominent place on a map, in particular Portuguese business due to the footwear industry – which gives it the epithet of "Shoe Capital" — and a hatcheck girl once. For this reason, São João da Madeira has one of the most important estates with regard to Industrial Archaeology, clearly visible in the various factories and smokestacks that populate this industrial center. Deserve special mention the building of Industrial Company of headwear, which houses the Museum of Headwear factory Nunes da Cunha and Olive Mill. In terms of architectural heritage, and fruit of the bonanza of yore, we came across several examples of beautiful and well preserved manor houses, mansions and farms. The Quinta do Morgado (now a restaurant), the Palacete da Quinta do King of Flour (now Art Center) or the building of the Paços da Cultura. While remaining at the forefront of technological and industrial development, São João da Madeira has the Technological and business centre (CET), which aims to attract technology-based companies for the County. This infrastructure is situated on land contiguous to the footwear technological Center (CTC), whose added value for the economy of the region has proven claims. The modern shopping centre built in 2007, the largest in the region Entre Douro e Vouga, whose bold design won several awards at national and international level, represents today a focus of attraction for visitors, bringing another liveliness and dynamism to the traditional trade.

What to do in São João da Madeira

Where to eat in São João da Madeira

Where to sleep in São João da Madeira

Solar de São João
Solar de São João

2 star

Traditional building with simple but comfortable facilities, consisting of ten friendly rooms, practicing at affordable prices.

Near São João da Madeira

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