Manteigas, nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Serra da Estrela mountains, stands as a unique mountain village with a rich history deeply rooted in wool, shepherds’ culture, and a captivating mountain charisma. The region boasts a breathtaking landscape teeming with biodiversity and distinctive geological features, offering tourists an opportunity to immerse themselves in a stunning natural environment while indulging in delectable local cuisine and experiencing a unique cultural tapestry.
The village’s historical ties to pastoralism and transhumance, the seasonal movement of herds from mountain foothills to highland pastures, add a layer of tradition to Manteigas.
Once a hub for wool factories, the area witnessed a resurgence in the last decade, embracing sustainability, design, and creativity. This revitalized industry not only reshaped Manteigas socially by creating jobs but also invigorated tourism, preserving the village’s identity.
Cultural resources abound, featuring the Sanatorial resort of Penhas Douradas, a 19th-century haven for treating respiratory diseases at altitude. The Industria do Lanifícios Manteigas, a key player in the woolen rope development, underwent a sustainable renaissance, influencing both employment and tourism. Gastronomy takes center stage as a cultural symbol, showcasing the mountain’s identity through diverse products such as Serra da Estrela cheese, lamb, and kid.
Natural resources in Manteigas are equally impressive. The village hosts a glacier geodiversity of national and international significance, including the Zêzere Glacier Valley. The region’s extraordinary biodiversity encompasses unique flora and fauna adapted to mountain habitats, while the hydrography showcases the sources of Portugal’s two main rivers (Zêzere and Mondego) and the largest alpine lakes in the country. Manteigas proudly preserves an essential forest heritage, providing economic and environmental services crucial for the village’s sustainable future.
Adding to the allure are attractions like the Rota das Faias, a picturesque walking route through faias woods, and the revival of Feijoca de Manteigas in local cuisine, celebrated through a Gastronomic Route. Manteigas emerges as a captivating destination, blending tradition, sustainability, and natural splendor to offer visitors a multifaceted and unforgettable experience.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Wool Renaissance: Lãnd Wool Innovation Week
In the enchanting Lãnd Wool Innovation Week is a project where wool takes center stage, catalyzing a dynamic blend of activities and initiatives to elevate local landscapes and communities. This visionary project seamlessly weaves together wool, shepherds, sheep, and scenic backdrops, hosting creative residences, enlightening talks, open days, workshops, and exhibitions. Drawing a diverse crowd of researchers, designers, students, and inquisitive tourists, the week-long event focuses on unraveling the potential of wool as a sustainable and intrinsic local resource. By fostering connections between nature and creativity, this initiative not only imparts knowledge but sparks a renaissance, encouraging participants to redesign and reimagine the role of wool. Lãnd Wool Innovation Week emerges as a transformative force, breathing fresh life into the wool industry while harmonizing tradition with contemporary sustainability ideals.
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Nurturing Entrepreneurship and Heritage Revitalization
The Municipality of Manteigas unveils a robust Municipal Plan dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship and breathing new life into its heritage. Central to this initiative are the Investment Support Office and the Professional Insertion Office, instrumental in providing support to emerging businesses. Manteigas creatively repurposes abandoned woolen factories into spaces for Burel production and nature tourism animation companies, offering free facilities to encourage entrepreneurial endeavors. Collaborating with key partners, including the Mountain Villages Network and academic institutions, the municipality accelerates innovative business ideas and rewards excellence through the Intermunicipal Community. Meanwhile, Manteigas’s wool factories attract thousands, narrating the history of Burel production and showcasing innovative uses of traditional wool fabric. The integration of industry and tourism is exemplified by Burel companies that also own hotels, symbolizing Manteigas’s commitment to economic rejuvenation and the preservation of its cultural legacy.
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Illuminating Sustainability
Manteigas is at the forefront of a transformative sustainability journey. With an ambitious plan to upgrade public lighting using advanced technologies, the municipality anticipates significant reductions in energy consumption and carbon emissions. The imminent Mountain Living Energy Center goes beyond being a mere space for mountain exploration. It will serve as an educational hub, offering digital content, interactive tools, and experimental labs to raise awareness and empower both residents and visitors on efficient water and energy consumption practices.
Complementing this, Manteigas is launching a bio waste separation pilot project, utilizing biofuel burners to create organic compost for community gardens, fostering sustainability and community engagement. Nestled in the ecologically sensitive Serra da Estrela, the village prioritizes responsible behavior, encouraging minimal environmental impact and supporting the local economy. Collaborative efforts between public entities, industries, small businesses, social organizations, and educational institutions underscore Manteigas’ commitment to environmental awareness and sustainable progress.
