Nelas: Megaliths, Dão Wine and Literature

Nelas appeals to visitors with a range of distinct interests: megaliths and historic architecture, Dão wine, literature and cycling. This lets you pair your hotel search with a specific travel plan without conflating the different places and activities.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The municipality of Nelas is accessible via the A25 and IP3 road corridors, the national road network and the Beira Alta railway line, with a station in Nelas. Check current connections and timetables before travelling. It also helps to distinguish between the different options when choosing your focus: the literary trail passes through Vila de Nelas, while the Prehistoric Circuit encompasses several monuments across the municipality.

History and Prehistoric Traces

The Paços do Concelho building has served as the seat of the municipal administration since 1930 and is considered one of the most important historic buildings in the municipality of Nelas. It was probably built in the early 19th century as a residence for the Novais family. The building thus brings together its former residential use and its long-standing role as an administrative seat.

Churches and manor houses also contribute to the area’s architectural history. The Igreja Matriz in the parish of Nelas is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição and dates from the 19th century. The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Tosse in the parish of Nelas dates from the 17th to 18th centuries. The Solar dos Condes de Santar, also within the municipality, dates from this period and has an adjoining chapel with a Mannerist altarpiece.

Four megalithic monuments are included in the Prehistoric Circuit of the municipality of Nelas: Orca da Lapa do Lobo, Orca das Pramelas in Canas de Senhorim, Orca do Folhadal and Orca do Pinhal dos Amiais in Senhorim. Orca de Pramelas is a small megalithic monument with a polygonal chamber, a floor of stone slabs and a short symbolic passageway. Describing these features adds the form of an individual monument to the broader picture of the circuit.

Dão Wine and Traces of Its History

The Estátua do Escanção was unveiled in 1966 and is considered a landmark of the municipality of Nelas and the demarcated Dão wine region. Held annually in Nelas, the Feira do Vinho do Dão promotes Dão wine. If you want an event to shape your stay, check the specific dates before travelling.

Another trace of the area’s wine-growing history is the Lagareta do Barroco. Its circular base may have been used for treading grapes and pressing grape pomace. The Lagareta Medieval is a separate site: access is via the EN-231 and Avenida 25 de Abril. After turning off, continue for 600 metres; then follow the signs on foot for about 800 metres. Check the local signs before your visit.

Literature, Cycling and Events

The literary trail in Nelas is dedicated to António Lobo Antunes’s personal and literary connection with the town. It passes through the streets, squares and notable places of Vila de Nelas. Readings of excerpts are combined with the architectural heritage and local stories; the writer’s memories of Nelas from the mid-20th century are also part of the trail.

The Centro de BTT Nelas – Fácil (Level 1) is designed for beginner cyclists with little experience and limited stamina. The route follows paved or asphalt surfaces and has no obstacles. It passes through the northern part of the municipality and the agricultural and wine-growing landscapes of Vilar Seco and Santar. As trail conditions can change, check for current information before setting out.

The Nelas Carnival has a history spanning several decades, involves hundreds of participants and attracts thousands of visitors. The parades start at Praça do Município and travel along the main streets of Vila de Nelas. They feature floats and costumes prepared by the Bairro da Igreja and Cimo do Povo neighbourhoods over several months. Check the specific event date when planning your trip.

Discover more destinations: Canas De Senhorim, Lapa do Lobo, Aguieira, Vila Ruiva, Santar.

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