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Did you know that Portugal has 9 UNESCO Creative Cities?
Plan our journey to Portugal and immerse yourself in the cultural and artistic riches of these cities
Covilhã, Castelo Branco District, Portugal
Portugal is a country known for its mild climate, rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, superb cuisine, and its warm hospitality. But, beyond its historical attractions and natural beauty, Portugal also boasts a vibrant creative scene in its cities. Among them, nine have been recognized by UNESCO as Creative Cities, for their outstanding contributions to various fields of arts and culture. They are: Óbidos (Literature), Amarante, Idanha-a-Nova, Leiria (Music), Barcelos and Caldas da Rainha (Crafts and Folk Art), Braga (Digital Arts), Covilhã (Design), and Santa Maria da Feira (Gastronomy).
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Visit Óbidos, a medieval town with cobbled streets and ancient walls, considered a UNESCO Creative City of Literature, and a paradise for book📕 lovers ❤
And explore the several bookshops and libraries , like the largest Portuguese bookstore in a church
Largo de São Tiago do Castelo
Óbidos, Leiria
Monday:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM
Thursday:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM
Friday:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM
Sunday:
10:00 AM – 12:30 PM, 1:30 – 7:00 PM
In 2015, UNESCO designated Óbidos as a Literary City, and since then the activities of Óbidos Vila Literária are ongoing, with particular reference to festivals and other literary and artistic gatherings, namely in FOLIO – International Literary Festival; and in Latitudes – Literature and Travel Festival. Dive into a world of words as you explore the several bookshops and libraries, some located in unlikely places such as a church, an old fire department, and an old wine cellar.
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Discover Barcelos, a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art
Renowned for its pottery, especially the rooster of Barcelos, a symbol of the town's rich artisan heritage , here you can participate in one of the several traditional arts and crafts workshops , that the city promotes
Barcelos, Braga, Portugal
Barcelos was the first Portuguese Creative City in the category of Crafts and Folk Art, which continues the effort that has been made to develop and appreciate the local material and immaterial heritage. Renowned for its pottery, especially the rooster of Barcelos, a symbol of the town's rich artisan heritage, the city also promotes other crafts, such as embroidery, weaving, basketry, imagery, wood, iron and tin and also many other arts and crafts such as leather works and contemporary craftsmanship. There are many dozens of creators distributed by various handicraft productions, with a natural prevalence of pottery and imagery, that make this territory a true Living Museum of Portuguese Popular Art and an identity factor of Barcelos and Portugal in the World The city organizes various events and initiatives to showcase and preserve its crafts and folk art, such as the International Folklore Festival.
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And Caldas da Rainha, also UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art
Where the Bordallo Pinheiro Factory dazzles with unique pottery creations, that are also displayed in a city route, with giant porcelain pieces placed all over the city, in building façades and even hanging on trees
Caldas da Rainha, Leiria District, Portugal
Caldas da Rainha is a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, where tradition meets innovation. Explore the city's ceramics heritage and the Bordallo Pinheiro Factory, known for its original pottery creations, that have become a worldwide artistic reference, and are also displayed in a city route with giant porcelain figures, placed all over the city, in building façades and even hanging on trees! The city also hosts biennial events, such as MOLDA, to showcase and promote its ceramic art. The city's markets and craft fairs are treasure troves of unique handmade goods.
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For music🎵 enthusiasts, visit Amarante a Creative City of Music
with musical vibes throughout the year, hosting festivals, concerts, and events that celebrate diverse genres of music
Amarante, Porto District, Portugal
Nestled in northern Portugal, Amarante is a hidden gem for music enthusiasts. This UNESCO Creative City resonates with musical vibes throughout the year, hosting festivals, concerts, and events, such as the MIMO Festival, that celebrate diverse genres. Wander through its charming streets, and you might stumble upon a live performance, making Amarante a must-visit destination for music lovers.
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or Idanha-a-Nova, also a UNESCO Creative City of Music 🎵 , that preserves and promotes its musical traditions, such as the adufe, a square frame drum played by women, and hosts renowned events like the Boom Festival
Castelo Branco District, Portugal
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Explore its historic streets and vibrant cultural spaces where music is a way of life, and don’t miss the Festival "A Porta"
Or Leiria, the third Portuguese city, considered by Unesco a Creative City of Music
Leiria, Leiria District, Portugal
Leiria, in center of Portugal, is a Creative City of Music, that celebrates music as a form of expression and social cohesion. Explore its historic streets and vibrant cultural spaces where music is a way of life. The city also supports music education and training, through its conservatory, music school, and orchestra. The festival “A Porta” showcases emerging artists and offers a rich musical experience. Leiria's creative energy will strike a chord with music aficionados.
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But if If you are into technology and creativity, visit Braga, one of Portugal's oldest cities, that has embraces the digital age as a Creative City of Media Art
Here technology and creativity are tools for social transformation and urban regeneration, with a network of cultural, creative spaces and events, such as the GNRation, the House of Knowledge, the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, and the Braga Media Arts Festival
Braga, Braga, Portugal
If you are into technology and creativity, you will be into Braga, a Creative City of Media Arts since 2017. This city is a former Roman settlement that has become a modern and innovative city. Here, you can explore the network of cultural and creative spaces, such as the GNRation, the House of Knowledge, and the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory. You can also enjoy several media arts events and projects, such as the Braga Media Arts Festival . Braga is a place where technology and creativity transform the city into a media arts hub.
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Or Covilhã, that nestled in the stunning landscapes of Serra da Estrela, is a UNESCO Creative City of Design
It is a former textile hub, with a strong connection with wool, which is used in various artistic and cultural projects, such as the Wool Festival, the Urban Art Center, and the New Hand Lab
Covilhã, Castelo Branco District, Portugal
Covilhã is, since November 2021, one of the world cities with the official designation of Creative City. The city is marked by its industrial, archaeological and architectural heritage, with the remains of the city’s engineering and art centered past linked to the memory and the poetic nature of textile design. The city possesses an enriching cultural infrastructure, such as Wool Museum, Museum of Covilhã, Sacred Art Museum and art galleries including the Dyeing Gallery. You can also visit the university that supports design education and research. Covilhã is a place where design and sustainability shape the city into a creative and resilient city.
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And last but not the least, Santa Maria da Feira invites you to savor the flavors of Portugal as a Creative City of Gastronomy
Santa Maria da Feira, Aveiro District, Portugal
Santa Maria da Feira is a Creative City of Gastronomy since 2021. Here, don't miss the opportunity to explore the local markets, and taste the flavors of Portuguese cuisine, especially the certified secular sweet bread, Fogaça da Feira, The city hosts several gastronomic festivals,like the Fogaceiras Festival, Imaginarius Festival, Medieval Journey and Perlim, that intertwine the local gastronomic heritage with creativity, urban regeneration, and community participation.