Santa Maria Church

Every corner of Penafiel bears traces of Escritaria, the literary festival dedicated to honouring Portuguese-speaking authors.

Each year, during the festival, Penafiel transforms into the city of the chosen writer, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the author’s world and their literary legacy.

Not everyone knows that Carmen Miranda, the icon of Brazilian culture, was actually born in Marco de Canaveses and remained a Portuguese citizen throughout her life.

Those who leave always leave behind a memory, maintaining ties to those who stay—which is why Marco de Canaveses has dedicated a museum to her.

Shall we discover the incredible journey of the "Little Notable", from Marco to Hollywood?

The São Brás de Alportel Costume Museum tells the social and cultural history of the region through its collections of traditional clothing, photography, and items related to the cork industry.

In 2027, Évora will be a European Capital of Culture, alongside Liepāja in Latvia.

For a year, both cities will showcase Europe's rich cultural heritage to the world. At the heart of the programme is VAGAR, a concept deeply rooted in the Alentejo way of life. We’re excited and ready to welcome you—to celebrate European culture together.

At the iconic Café Calcinha terrace, in the centre of Loulé, you can sit at the table of popular poet António Aleixo. A seller of lottery tickets and practically illiterate, Aleixo sang his poems full of irony, social criticism, and folk wisdom.

Inside the Church of Nossa Senhora de Machede, the walls are adorned with ‘carpet tiles’ from around 1630.

In shades of yellow and blue, similar to those in the Church of Santa Clara in Évora, these tiles are framed by an earlier blue-and-white chequered border, adding to their striking beauty.