Discover Industrial Tourism
To discover Portugal through Industrial Tourism is to embark on a journey through the processes, traditions and innovations that have shaped the identity of the regions and their communities.
From 5 to 19 April, the initiative “Discovering Industrial Tourism” invites you to experience places of living industry and industrial heritage that reflect the authenticity of each territory.
During these days, all over the country, you can take part in activities that bring visitors closer to the history and present of Portuguese industry.
In Porto and the North, you can visit mines and quarries, as well as experience old factories and production centres that are illustrative of the evolution of the various sectors. Discover tradition at the House of Wool in Cabeceiras de Basto, the Silk and Territory Museum in Freixo de Espada à Cinta, or the Municipal Filigree Museum in Gondomar. If you are travelling as a family, the Oliva Tower in São João da Madeira, the Portuguese Toy Museum in Ponte de Lima, and the Electric Car Museum in Porto, offer activities for all ages.
Museu da Seda e do Território de Freixo de Espada à Cinta ©CM Freixo de Espada à Cinta
In the Centre of Portugal, itineraries include activities in ceramics, glass and the textile industry, with visits to iconic spaces and live demonstrations. The Vista Alegre Museum and Factory in Ílhavo, the Industrial and Artisanal Textile Museum in Mira de Aire, the Glass Museum in Marinha Grande, or the Ceramics Museum in Caldas da Rainha are just some of the places you will be able to discover through the various activities and visits in this region.
Museu da Vista Alegre ©Vista Alegre
In the Lisbon region, explore factories and industrial museums, such as the Water Museum in Lisbon, or the Michel Giacometti Labour Museum in Setúbal, which bear witness to the region’s development over the years.
In Alentejo and Ribatejo, there are immersive experiences that showcase industrial sectors such as agrifood and mining. Take the opportunity to go on a night tour or watch a dance show at the Aljustrel Mining Park, learn how to make a cowbell with the Pardalinho Rattle Factory in Alcáçovas, or find out about the marble cycle, from extraction to its use in architecture and sculpture, with the AE Marble Route in Vila Viçosa.
In the Algarve, the main highlights are the salt, cork, wine and tinned food, with visits and interactive experiences to discover. Make your own cork pieces with the workshops by NF Cork in Faro and the Eco Cork Factory in São Brás de Alportel, discover the Loulé Rock Salt Mine with Techsalt‘s immersive and interactive activities, or enjoy the Portimão Museum‘s tours to learn about the sardine canning process, from the sea to the tin, and what life was like for the fishermen who lived there.
Museu de Portimão
In the Azores, the Porto Pim Whale Factory on Faial Island and the Pico Museum on Pico Island reveal the legacy of the whaling industry.
Seize this initiative and embark on an adventure through the soul of national production, from artisanal tradition to technological innovation, in a unique and enriching experience that is bound to surprise and delight.
Check out the full “Discovering Industrial Tourism” programme and take part!
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