About Covilhã

Covilhã is a town and municipality in the Portuguese Centro district, located in the sub-region of the Beiras e Serra da Estrela, in the historical and cultural region of Beira. The town proper has a population of 32,000 inhabitants, while the municipality has a total population of 50,091, making it the second largest municipality in the district of Castelo Branco. The municipality covers an area of 508.58 km² and includes 19 civil parishes. The town of Covilhã is located in the northwest corner of Portugal, approximately 150 km from Lisbon. It is an important industrial and commercial center for the district of Castelo Branco, as well as a stop on the Beira Baixa Line, a railroad that links Lisbon to the north. The town is also home to the University of Beira Interior, which was founded in 1979. The municipality of Covilhã includes several small towns and villages, such as São Cristóvão, Fornos de Algodres, Oleiros, and Manteigas. The nearby Serra da Estrela, the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal, is a popular tourist destination and is home to the country's only ski resort. The town of Covilhã has a long history, dating back to the Roman era. The surrounding area was inhabited by the Lusitanians prior to the Roman conquest and the town was known as Caulinum. During the Roman period, the town was an important stop on the Via Lusitana, a road that connected Spain to Portugal. In the Middle Ages, the town was conquered by the Moors and was known as Kuwait. After the Christian Reconquest, the town was retaken by the Kingdom of Portugal and its name was changed to Covilhã. The town prospered in the 16th century, due to its linen industry. Flanders had a monopoly on the linen trade at the time and Covilhã was able to bypass this monopoly by sending its linen directly to Portugal's colonies in Brazil and Africa. During the Peninsular War, Covilhã was occupied by French troops. In 1808, the town was the site of a battle between the French and the British. In 1979, the University of Beira Interior was founded in Covilhã. The university has grown rapidly and now has over 10,000 students. Covilhã is a town with a long history and a bright future. Its central location and access to transportation make it an ideal base for exploring the Beiras region. The university adds a youthful vitality to the town and its many shops and restaurants make it a great place to spend a few days.