Category: Civil Architecture > Museum
District: Leiria > Caldas da Rainha > Foz do Arelho > Ribeira de Foz do Arelho
The Óbidos Lagoon Interpretation Centre is located in Foz do Arelho, a village in the municipality of Caldas da Rainha. Specifically, it is situated on Avenida do Mar, in the Ribeira area of Foz do Arelho. Its privileged position offers direct visual contact with the vast and serene Óbidos Lagoon, immediately framing the visit within the context of the landscape the centre aims to unveil.
This space was designed as a starting point for understanding and appreciating the Óbidos Lagoon. Its central objective is the discovery and transmission of the rich natural and historical-cultural heritage associated with this coastal lagoon. By visiting the centre, interested individuals are invited to deepen their knowledge of the lagoon's ecological importance and its role in the region's sustainable development, connecting the visitor to the essence of this unique place.
Inside the centre, visitors will find various informative tools. Thematic panels, available in Portuguese and English, guide visitors through relevant aspects of the natural and cultural heritage. A digital space featuring an interactive map of the Óbidos Lagoon stands out, allowing virtual exploration of various points of interest around the lagoon, delving into historical episodes, local culture, and the customs of riverside and maritime communities. There is also a dedicated space for younger visitors, with activities and materials that encourage curiosity about the lagoon and its biodiversity.
The centre's main hall serves as a meeting point, occasionally hosting exhibitions and activities that give a voice to local communities. Photographic exhibitions revealing aspects of life on the lagoon can be found, such as the exhibition dedicated to the Mariscadores da Lagoa de Óbidos (Shellfish Gatherers of Óbidos Lagoon), a work that illustrates the experiences and legacy of the people who, over time, became intimately connected to this ecosystem. Furthermore, the centre displays a collection of historical objects, such as traditional fishing tools, which allow for a journey through time and help contextualize the evolution of local activities and traditions.
Outside the Interpretation Centre, an element with particular significance stands: a replica of one of the old "barracas" (huts) of the Óbidos Lagoon fishermen. These simple yet functional constructions served as shelter and temporary residence for the 'varino' fishermen who, for months, dedicated themselves to their work in the lagoon. This physical testament refers to an important chapter in local history, evoking the lives and daily routines of those who made the lagoon their livelihood and their home.
The Óbidos Lagoon Interpretation Centre plays an active role in environmental education and raising awareness about the importance of preserving this ecosystem. Through the information it provides and the themes it addresses, it seeks to promote greater contact with nature, encourage the observation of local avifauna and flora, and highlight the need to protect the biodiversity of the Óbidos Lagoon for future generations.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.4298631,-9.2251915
Coordinates DMS: 39°25'47.5"N 09°13'30.7"W
Weather Foz do Arelho
On-duty Pharmacy Foz do Arelho
