Unhais da Serra
A village with a rich History

The Unhais da Serra Village lies on the southwestern slope of Serra da Estrela, in a glacial valley, at a height of 750 metres. Included in the Covilhã Charter in 1186 by King Sancho I, Unhais da Serra became a parish in 1758. Famous for its thermal mineral water, Unhais da Serra attracted many tourists, having witnessed its golden age between the late 19th century and the early 20th century, when it was known as the “Pearl of Beira” and the "Sintra of Covilhã". The then Earl of Covilhã drove tourism even further by converting his own residence into the Unhais da Serra GRAND HOTEL and CASINO... featuring spacious ballrooms, pool rooms, games rooms and buffet rooms... The village was then visited by local landowners and textile factory owners, who were relatively numerous.

But it was Father Alfredo Santos who truly brought progress to Unhais da Serra. The arrival of electricity, the building of several dams and the establishment of many factories, all bear the mark of his visionary mind and enterprising spirit. Unfortunately, his plans for a cable car line that would connect Unhais da Serra to the Tower never materialised!

Orago: Santo Aleixo
Population: 1,369
Economy: Thermal Spas, woollen factories, sawmills and civil construction
Fairs: Monthly (2nd Friday of every month)

Feasts and Fairs:

• Our Lady of Fátima (3rd Sunday in May)
• Village Day (11 July) – Folk Festival
• Cultural Weeks (July)
• Our Lady of Good Health (1st Sunday in August)
• Saint Aleixo (3rd Sunday in September)

Cultural Heritage and Historic Buildings:

• Para-amyloidosis Centre
• “A Penteadora” woollen factory
• Ancient watermills
• Father Alfredo Dam (Covão de Ferro)
• Chapel of Our Lady of Good Health
• Chapel of Our Lady of Fátima
• Folk Dance Museum
• Saint Aleixo Parish Church
• Watermill by the river
• Cruzeiro Gazebo