Tourism

Almeida Military Historical Museum (Casemates)

Brief HistoryLocated beneath the Bastion of S. João de Deus, the Casemates (Casamatas) or Old Quarters (Quarteis Velhos) — as they were also called due to the lack of barracks for infantry housing — are twenty underground rooms, built with semicircular vaults, and only three lack a ventilation tunnel.   FunctionalitiesTheir functionality was linked to two essential aspects: peace and war. They served to shelter the town’s population and as a food warehouse. Regarding water supply, they have their own cistern and well.

Vilar Formoso Tourism Office

The Vilar Formoso Tourism Office is the main information and welcome point for visitors to the region.It provides information about historical, cultural, and natural heritage, local events, gastronomy, accommodation, and tourist activities, promoting the territory and helping visitors discover the best the region has to offer.

Vilar Formoso Multipurpose Pavilion

Brief HistoryWith a privileged location in the village of Vilar Formoso next to the main thoroughfare, the Vilar Formoso Multipurpose Pavilion was built with a versatility that allows it to host congresses, fairs, exhibitions, musical concerts, cinema, theater, and other shows. The Multipurpose Pavilion contributes to the development and affirmation of the Village of Vilar Formoso. Capacity: 195 seats + 3 for people with disabilities FeaturesOccupying a total area of 17,953 m2, it has about 1,200 m2 of useful exhibition area in the Pavilion where large events can be held. In addition, it also has a bar and a conference/cinema room. Outside, in addition to a large central square, there are 6 multipurpose rooms provided to the associations of Vilar Formoso for their headquarters and a mini-auditorium with 30 seats. More than 100 parking spaces for cars and about 20 parking spaces for buses are also available. The administration, management, and programming are the responsibility of the Municipality.

Picadeiro d’El Rey

It is at the Bastion of Our Lady of Brotas, patron saint of equidae, also known as the Trem Bastion, that the Picadeiro D’el Rey is located. Its reconstruction dates from 1996 and was carried out under the Historic Villages of Portugal Recovery Project. The name D’el Rey derives from the invocation of the various Portuguese monarchs who passed through the Castle of Almeida, sharing walls with this building dedicated to leisure activities. Access to the Picadeiro is facilitated by its proximity to the Santo António Gate, of great devotion to the soldiers of Almeida, who used it to transport the material necessary for defence. This grand construction, of large dimensions and an irregular polygonal plan, was begun in the 17th century and completed in the second decade of the 18th century. It served as the Artillery Train and Arsenal, and its functions included the storage of artillery, the manufacture of gunpowder, the repair of pieces, and the storage of ammunition and military equipment. From the original structure, the mangers used for the mules that, in times of war, transported artillery pieces to the embrasures still remain. The forges and the artillerymen’s barracks disappeared following the various bombardments that occurred during the 19th century. The central courtyard distributed the various areas essential to the functioning of the Artillery Train and, today, of the Picadeiro, where the stables, storage rooms and other facilities house 21 horses – 17 stalls and 4 boxes – giving new life to the ancient stonework. Outside, the enhancement of the surrounding area recreated an open riding arena and a vaulting area. On the main gate, the royal coat of arms stands out (to be painted with castles and national colours), while on one of the sides the outlines of the former sentry box can still be seen, from where the guard controlled the entry and exit of soldiers. Today, it is a space dedicated to the practice of equestrianism, playing an important tourist role by offering carriage and horseback rides through the Historic Centre of Almeida and its walls, opening up new dreams and new paths towards Equestrian Tourism. Picadeiro D’el Rey is a Riding Centre affiliated with the Portuguese Equestrian Federation, the only one with two stars in the District of Guarda. Its Technical Director is Colonel Santos Correia.

Maria Natércia Ruivo Municipal Library

The Municipal Library today plays a dynamic role as a public service for information, education, culture and leisure, fostering open dialogue with the community. Integrated into the Public Libraries Network since 2011, the institution has adapted to social and technological changes, rethinking its practices and expanding its functions beyond documentary collections. The Library seeks to establish itself as a combined informational and cultural service, accessible, up to date and open to the digital world, contributing to the cultural, educational and identity development of the local community. Its functions focus on free access to information and knowledge, the promotion of reading and culture, the updating and organization of collections, cooperation with cultural entities, the preservation and dissemination of local heritage, and the development of cultural activities, thereby enhancing quality of life and cultural identity.

Almeida Municipal Auditorium

Brief HistoryThe Municipal Auditorium is located in the Trigueira neighbourhood, next to the Almeida Health Centre. This facility, with seating capacity for 200 people, hosts various events promoted by the municipality and local associations. It is equipped to host performances, seminars, colloquia and other activities, and is fitted for film screening. FacilitiesWith a total area of 750 m² and diverse functions, including congresses, meetings, cinema and theatre, it has a total seating capacity of 192 seats, including 2 for people with disabilities. It also includes a dressing room area to the north and a projection area with light and sound control, located at the opposite end. The administration, management and programming are the responsibility of the Municipality.

Vilar Formoso Fronteira da Paz – Memorial to the Refugees and to Consul Aristides de Sousa Mendes

General Concept of the Museological Center – The Exhibition Space The exhibition space conveys, "almost" physically, the experience of these European refugees who, during World War II, had as one of their few chances of salvation the escape through Portugal, staying here until their subsequent departure to, mostly, the new continent. – America. The New Entrance Volume To the East, on the existing platform, a New Volume was created with a cubic shape, measuring approximately 4.50 m on each side, which is attached to the Small Warehouse (Armazém Pequeno), aligned with its east facade. This Volume houses the Entrance/Reception space of the new Museological Center/Memorial. The Small Warehouse The exhibition space begins, then, in this building that integrates the first two sections: Section 1 – People Like Us and Section 2 – The Beginning of the Nightmare. The shape of this building allows for the design of a space that develops lengthwise (corridor-like), thus creating a continuous path that adapts very well to the proposed exhibition content.

Almeida Mother Church

Dates from the sixteenth century. It originally constituted the convent of the Regular Franciscan Third Order Sisters dedicated to Our Lady of Loreto. It also served as barracks and a military hospital in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. After the castle explosion in eighteen hundred and ten, it assumed the role of Mother Church.