The curious town in Portugal known as 'the clay capital': it has more than 20 potteries
On the border between Portugal and Spain, there are hundreds of villages that are perfect rural tourism destinations that not many people know about. There are also numerous small towns that are very special. One of the most incredible is Sao Pedro do Corval, located in the well-known Alentejo region. Although it doesn't stand out for its superb architectural heritage, it is actually one of the most picturesque villages in the entire Portuguese country.
Located 26 kilometers from Spain and the gargantuan Alqueva reservoir, this village of about 1,570 inhabitants belongs to the municipality of Reguengos de Monsaraz. Its main tourist attraction isn't any monument or natural beauty, but rather the vast ceramic tradition that still prevails in the town. Sao Pedro do Corval is the pottery capital of this region of Portugal, and therefore a visit to discover its clay wonders is an ideal day trip.
Sao Pedro do Corval, the pottery capital of Portugal
The architectural gem of Sao Pedro do Corval is the Hermitage of Our Lady of the Rosary, a beautiful 16th-century church notable for its white walls and the touches of blue visible in its bell tower. Also a few kilometers from the town are the ruins of Azinhalinho Castle and some incredible menhirs dating back to prehistoric times. However, the best thing to do in the town is stroll through its narrow streets.
In the town center, you can find up to twenty potteries, and in this Portuguese village, the ceramics tradition dates back centuries. Despite the passage of time, the parish's residents have continued to maintain their working method to create authentic treasures with clay. Visitors to Sao Pedro do Corval can discover both the jewels made by local artisans and the ancient way of making them.
Visiting one of the well-known pottery factories and learning how these spectacular ceramic works of art are made is a perfect way to spend a few hours on the weekend. Plus, being so close to the Spanish border, Sao Pedro do Corvão is a perfect place for a day trip to discover a little-known Portuguese village full of wonders.
How to get to Sao Pedro do CorvaoThe town of Sao Pedro do Corvão is just an hour and a half by road from the city of Badajoz. To get there from the Extremaduran city, take the EX-107 and then the N256 to reach the town center.
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