Capital of the skin

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Santarém > Alcanena > Peral

Location:

Alcanena is a municipality located in central Portugal, in the district of Santarém. It is in the locality of Peral, an integral part of this municipality, where the presence of a secular tradition that earned it the designation of Capital of Leather is particularly felt. The area is set in a landscape that transitions between the Ribatejo plains and the elevations of the Estremadura Limestone Massif, where industrial activity is integrated into the daily life of the community.

The Industrial Legacy:

Alcanena is widely recognized as the Capital of Leather due to its long and profound connection to the tanning industry. Over several generations, dozens of manufacturing units have established and developed, perfecting the art of transforming hides into leather of exceptional quality. This industrial heritage is not only a pillar of the local economy but also a distinctive element that has contributed to Portugal's international reputation in the tanning sector. The leather produced here is a globally sought-after raw material, valued in luxury markets for the manufacture of apparel, footwear, and even for vehicle and aircraft interior finishes.

The Essence of Leather:

The transformation of hide into leather is a process with roots lost in time, an art that has deepened and evolved over millennia. From the most ancient civilizations, which used hides for basic needs such as clothing and shelter, to the introduction of more complex techniques in the Iberian Peninsula, leather has always been a material of great nobility and utility. In the Alcanena region, this tradition is kept alive, with a know-how that honors the versatility and durability of this material. The leather resulting from this work, combining craftsmanship with industrial technology, is a unique product, valued for its natural aesthetic and intrinsic resistance.

Evolution and Future Vision:

The tanning industry in Alcanena demonstrates a remarkable continuous effort to adapt and innovate. Aware of the environmental challenges inherent to the sector, local companies have invested significantly in improving their production processes. This commitment translates into the implementation of more sustainable technologies and practices, aiming to reduce ecological impact and improve environmental quality for local communities. Beyond the purely industrial aspect, Alcanena's leather also inspires artistic creation and design, with the emergence of approaches that elevate this raw material into a form of cultural expression and innovation, highlighting the capacity for reinvention and the richness emanating from this unique heritage.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt