Odivelas, Portugal

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Odivelas, Portugal

Region: Lisbon


Geographic Coordinates: 38.790300, -9.179700
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Population: 144549
Language: Portuguese

Odivelas is a charming city located in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area of Portugal. It is situated just 10 kilometers north of Lisbon and covers an area of approximately 26 square kilometers. The city has a rich history dating back to the Roman times, With several historical landmarks that attract tourists from all over the world. One of the most notable landmarks in Odivelas is the Monastery of São Dinis de Odivelas, Which was founded in the 13th century by King Afonso III.

The monastery served as a refuge for pilgrims traveling to Santiago de Compostela and also played an important role in Portuguese history during the Middle Ages. Today, It serves as a cultural center and hosts various events throughout the year. Another must-visit attraction in Odivelas is Pombaline-style Palace of Quinta da Memória. This stunning palace was built during the 18th century and features beautiful gardens that are perfect for taking leisurely strolls or enjoying picnics with friends and family. For nature lovers, Odivelas offers plenty of opportunities to explore its natural beauty.

The Parque Urbano do Silvado is one such place where visitors can enjoy hiking trails, Picnic areas, Playgrounds for kids, Sports facilities like football fields and basketball courts. The city also has several museums that showcase its rich cultural heritage. The Museu Municipal de Odivelas houses an impressive collection of artifacts related to local history while Casa da Cultura da Pontinha showcases contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year.

Odivelas is also famous for its traditional cuisine which includes delicious seafood dishes like grilled sardines or octopus stewed rice along with meat dishes like Cozido à Portuguesa (Portuguese stew) or Bacalhau à Brás (shredded codfish). Visitors can enjoy these delicacies at local restaurants like Tasca do Manel or A Tasquinha. Odivelas is well connected to other parts of Portugal and Europe through its excellent transportation network. The city has a modern metro system that connects it to Lisbon and other neighboring cities. It also has a bus station that provides regular services to various destinations across the country.

Odivelas is an ideal destination for those seeking a mix of history, Culture, Nature, And gastronomy. With its stunning landmarks, Beautiful gardens, Museums showcasing local heritage and delicious cuisine options- it’s no wonder why this city attracts visitors from all over the world!



Important Landmarks

  1. Monastery of São Dinis de Odivelas
  2. Parque Urbano do Silvado
  3. Quinta da Memória
  4. Aqueduto das Águas Livres
  5. Palácio dos Marqueses de Fronteira
  6. Lisbon Zoo (Jardim Zoológico de Lisboa)
  7. Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
  8. Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
  9. National Museum of Ancient Art (Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga)
  10. Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Primary Industries

  1. Odivelas is a city in Portugal that is located near the capital city of Lisbon.
  2. The city’s economy is diverse, with multiple industries contributing to its growth over time.
  3. The major industries and businesses in Odivelas include:
    • Services
    • Healthcare
    • Construction
    • Manufacturing
    • Technology
    • Education
    • Agriculture
  4. The service sector in Odivelas is thriving with businesses such as:
    • Restaurants
    • Cafes
    • Shops
    • Hotels
  5. Additionally, the city has several hospitals and clinics that provide healthcare services to the local population.
  6. There are many construction companies operating in Odivelas that build residential and commercial properties.
  7. Some manufacturing companies also operate in the area producing products such as:
    • Textiles
    • Furniture
    • Food products
  8. Several technology companies are located within the city specializing in software development and IT services.
  9. There are also a number of schools and universities located within or near Odivelas including one of Portugal’s largest private universities – Universidade Lusófona de Humanidades e Tecnologias.
  10. Although not a major industry for the city itself, agriculture plays an important role for surrounding areas producing wine grapes among other crops grown there.
  11. Overall, Odivalas economy offers diverse business opportunities within Portugal’s capital region making it an important hub for economic growth over time.

Noteable History

  1. The founding of the Monastery of São Dinis by King Afonso Henriques in the 12th century.
  2. The presence of Queen Leonor Teles in the monastery during the 14th century, who was known for her patronage of arts and literature.
  3. The Battle of Odivelas in 1385, where Portuguese forces defeated Castilian invaders during the Portuguese War of Independence.
  4. The construction of the Palace-Convent of São Dinis during the 16th century, which became a popular destination for royalty and nobility.
  5. The birthplace and childhood home of famous Portuguese poet António Aleixo (1899-1949).
  6. Odivelas is also home to several notable sports teams, including football club C.F. Os Belenenses and basketball club S.L. Benfica.
  7. In recent years, Odivelas has become a center for technology and innovation with several companies establishing offices there including Microsoft Portugal’s headquarters.
  8. The city is also known for its annual Festa da Flor (Flower Festival) which takes place every May featuring parades decorated with flowers from local gardens as well as concerts and food stalls.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Museu Municipal de Odivelas
  2. Igreja Matriz de Odivelas
  3. Aqueduto das Águas Livres
  4. Convento de São Dinis e São Bernardo
  5. Parque Urbano do Silvado
  6. Centro Cultural Malaposta
  7. Biblioteca Municipal Doutor Ernesto Ferreira da Silva
  8. Casa da Cultura da Pontinha
  9. Palácio dos Arcos
  10. Quinta do Vale-Girão


Sports Teams

  1. Odivelas Futebol Clube – It is a football club founded in 1942 and currently plays in the third tier of Portuguese football.
  2. Clube Desportivo de Odivelas – It is another football club founded in 1949 and played several seasons in the second tier of Portuguese football.
  3. Grupo Desportivo Recreativo e Cultural Casalinhense – It is a multi-sports club founded in 1935 and has teams competing in various sports such as football, basketball, futsal, and volleyball.
  4. Sociedade União Operária de Lisboa (SUOL) – It is a sports club founded by workers from the textile industry in Lisbon but has its headquarters located in Odivelas. The club has teams competing in various sports such as athletics, cycling, futsal, handball, and table tennis.
  5. Associação Recreativa e Cultural da Póvoa de Santo Adrião (ARCP) – It is another multi-sports club founded in 1976 located near Odivelas that has teams competing mainly on futsal but also other indoor sports like basketball or volleyball.


Cultural Events

  1. Festas de Odivelas is a popular festival that takes place every year in July, celebrating the patron saint of Odivelas, São João Baptista. The festival includes live music, food stalls, and a procession through the streets.
  2. Festival Internacional de Folclore takes place every year in August and features traditional dance and music performances from around the world.
  3. Festa da Cidade is an annual celebration held in September to commemorate the founding of Odivelas. The festivities include concerts, exhibitions, and cultural activities.
  4. Feira do Livro de Odivelas is held annually in May or June and features local authors and publishers as well as book signings and readings.
  5. Festival da Juventude is a youth festival held every year in July or August with live music performances by local bands along with games and other activities for young people.
  6. Festa das Vindimas is celebrated each September during grape harvest season with wine tastings, traditional Portuguese food stalls, live music performances as well as grape stomping contests.
  7. Carnaval de Odivelas is held annually before Lent begins typically in February or early March; this carnival features colorful parades with floats depicting various themes along with costumes worn by participants dancing to samba beats on the streets of Odivelas.

Cuisine

  • Bacalhau à Brás – a dish made with salt cod, potatoes, onions, and eggs. It can be found at many local restaurants.
  • Tasca do Careca – a traditional Portuguese restaurant that serves seafood dishes like grilled octopus and clams in garlic sauce.
  • Churrasqueira da Torre – a barbecue restaurant that serves grilled meats like chicken, pork ribs, and beef skewers.
  • Casa da Dízima – a cozy restaurant that specializes in Portuguese cuisine such as roasted lamb with potatoes and rice pudding for dessert.
  • A Tasquinha do Lagar – a small tavern-style restaurant that offers typical Portuguese dishes like grilled sardines and pork chops with beans.
  • Pizzaria Damatta – an Italian-style pizzeria that also serves pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara and lasagna.
  • Cervejaria Ramiro Lisboa Odivelas – seafood lovers will enjoy this seafood restaurant which offers fresh shrimp, lobster, crab legs etc..

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Parque Urbano de Odivelas: This large park boasts playgrounds, sports facilities, and picnic areas.
    2. Parque dos Moinhos: A green space with walking trails, picnic areas, and a small stream.
    3. Parque do Vale do Silêncio: A peaceful park with walking paths and benches for relaxation.
    4. Centro Desportivo de Odivelas: This sports complex offers swimming pools, tennis courts, and soccer fields.
    5. Piscinas Municipais de Odivelas: Public swimming pools for recreational use are available here.
    6. Skate Park de Odivelas: An exciting skateboarding facility that caters to enthusiasts of all levels.
    7. Campo Municipal de Golf da Mata da Maruxa: An 18-hole golf course is located in the nearby town of Loures.
    8. Centro Hípico Quinta do Falcão: Horseback riding lessons and trail rides through the countryside surrounding Odivelas are offered at this equestrian center.

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