What to visit in Odemira

In Praça da República, you will find the Town Hall building dating from the 17th century. In the same square, on your left,  stands the iron sculpture in the shape of a battlement representing the castle’s entrance. A symbolic piece seeing that today nothing remains of what used to be the medieval castle

In this village, churches abound, namely: The Santa Maria Church, which belonged to a Franciscan Convent founded in the 16th century; The Church of São Salvador and the Oval shaped Church of Misericórdia that hides within rich murals and frescoes unusual in this region.

Built in the 19th century with donations from the Odemira residents. It is located in Praça Sousa Prado, a tribute to the former Mayor.

The name of this garden comes from the spring of ferrous waters that exist there. Legend has it that whoever drinks this water will get married in Odemira.

Next to the road bridge, you will find the ferry landmark.

Between the 16th and 19th century, the crossing of the Mira River was made via barges attached to fixed cables, to and fro, between these landmarks.

The maintenance and boat service was guaranteed by an institution founded by a wealthy widow whose only demand, as payment for each crossing, was the Lord’s Prayer and a Hail Mary for her soul.

The riverside walk is a themed pedestrian trail that follows the river for 1.5 km. Along the route, it has information panels on the local fauna and flora and curiosities of the relationship of the Odemira people with its river.

This pedestrian bridge connects the two banks of the river.

Miranda’s factory, now deactivated, was a large plant for milling wheat and shelling rice. It represented the second industry in the municipality, after cork.

The cork trees were in the so-called Largo do Poço Novo where the court building is now located

On the road that connects Odemira to S. Luís, after crossing the bridge over Ribeira do Torgal, you will find, on your right, a dirt road that takes you to Pego das Pias. The narrow path can be done by car, although we would only recommend it if you have a jeep.

So, leave your car behind and venture out on a vigorous walk along this 2km trail through shady trees that shield you from the intense heat. At the end reap your reward: Small natural lakes amid the cool waters of the Torgal stream.

The delicious chocolate produced by Argentine Beatriz is all handmade, without large machines where manual work predominates. Let yourself be carried away by this sweet temptation and if you become hooked, know that you can always order online!