Whether you crave the roar of a big city or a quiet escape to the country, Vila Franca das Naves Portugal has plenty to offer. Here are a few of the top things to do.
Embark on a pilgrimage to Batalha Monastery, an incredible Manueline monastery built over two centuries. Highlights include the cloisters and unique unfinished chapels.
1. Visit the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption
The municipal motto of Vila Franca das Naves Portugal is Quis sicut deus? (Who is like God?) and the city is home to a remarkable new library, Fabrica das Palavras. Its polygonal structure is an architectural standout next to the estuary and displays painting and photography exhibitions.
A must-see attraction is the church’s Ermida, whose staircase has 10 levels symbolizing the Joyful and Sorrowful Mysteries and 100 steps representing the Hail Marys. There are also several sets of tiles, worth observing, that show the local social hierarchy and episodes from the lives of saints.
Use the MICHELIN Guide to find local restaurants in Vila Franca das Naves.
2. Visit the birthplace of Mario Coelho
A former member of the Neo-Realism literary and art movement, Coelho’s opulent 18th-century palace down in Povoa de Santa Iria now hosts short-term exhibitions. There’s also a library and auditorium.
Unlike other libraries, this one next to the Tagus Estuary is called Fabrica das Palavras (word factory). It’s not your ordinary polygonal building: inside are writing and photography workshops and painting and sculpture galleries.
Explore the sights and sounds of Vila Franca das Naves with a self-guided walk using the free MICHELIN guide. You’ll find route descriptions, photos and reviews of the places you can visit, as well as tips and tricks for your trip.
3. Visit the Estuary Park
Embark on a new adventure in this city that embraces all those who seek quiet solitude. Explore museums and boutiques, or sit with a book at the library that shares its name—Fabrica das Palavras (Word Factory).
The town’s other big draw is this estuary park. It’s Portugal’s largest wetland region, and a birdwatcher’s paradise. A new ultra-modern visitor center can help you learn about the thousands of species that breed or winter here.
Travel between Vila Franca das Naves and Lisbon by train. Find step-by-step directions, compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio’s travel planner. Vous pouvez également utiliser le moteur de recherche des restaurants dans votre région et réserve au meilleur prix.
4. Take a heritage boat down the Tagus Estuary
The estuary’s waters are home to a rich fluvial and maritime heritage. At the pier, you can take traditional vessels out to sail down the Tagus River, preserving a part of the municipality’s history and promoting tourism with educational and recreational goals.
The visitor centre for the estuary park has plenty of information on the wildlife in its 14,000 hectares. You can see a great variety of birds at any time, but migratory seasons in autumn and spring are particularly impressive.
The library here isn’t your typical one: Its sensational polygonal form and name, Fabrica das Palavras (word factory), give it a modern edge.
5. Visit a lusitano horse stud
The Lusitano horse is one of the oldest saddle horses in the world, and it has been admired for its brave character, gorgeous physique and natural agility for millennia. This rare breed is a sought-after working horse and a popular choice for high-level equestrian events and luxury horse-drawn carriages.
Embark on a cultural tour to uncover Vila Franca das Naves’s captivating culture, from detail-oriented museums and galleries to traditional artisan workshops. You can also discover the region’s rich history at phenomenal sites that speak volumes about its epic past.
A library wouldn’t normally make the cut on a tourist itinerary but this sensational polygonal structure named Fabrica das Palavras (Word Factory) next to the Tagus Estuary is a sight to behold.
6. Visit a wine cooperative
The municipal motto, Quis sicut Deus, translates as “Who is like God” and features prominently on the local flag and coat of arms. Atop the cliffs of Pico da Figueira, there’s an outlook that offers panoramas over Agua de Pau, Ribeira Cha, and Vila Franca das Naves.
The town is also renowned for its pottery, which dates back to the 16th century. There are detail-oriented museums and striking galleries, as well as traditional artisan workshops to visit. Ride sharing services such as Blablacar are another way to experience the area. They can offer a compromise between cost, distance, and journey time. The most popular carrier is Rede Expressos.
