Pinhão Train Station

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Vila Real > Alijó > Pinhão > Largo da Estação

Location:

The Pinhão Railway Station is strategically located in the town of the same name, Pinhão, in the municipality of Alijó. Situated by the Douro River, in Largo da Estação, this railway stop perfectly integrates into the surrounding landscape, characterized by vineyard terraces that descend to the riverbanks. Its position offers a unique perspective on the heart of the Douro wine region, being a striking element in the local scenery.

Memory in Tiles: Art and History

Inaugurated in the 19th century, Pinhão Station is more than just a transit point. It distinguishes itself by its remarkable tilework decoration, added in 1937. These artistic panels, from the historic Aleluia company in Aveiro, were conceived by the artist J. Oliveira. A total of 3,047 tiles cover the building's walls, transforming the station into an open-air art gallery and a visual testament to the region's history.

The Vineyard Narrated: Themes and Symbolism

The 24 tile panels are a true visual chronicle of the Port wine culture. They vividly illustrate the various stages of the annual vineyard and wine cycle in the Douro. One will observe representations of the harvest, the traditional treading of grapes in lagares, and the transport of casks in rabelo boats, which once sailed the Douro River towards the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. This ceramic narrative gives the station profound cultural and symbolic value, mirroring the identity of the landscape classified as a World Heritage site.

A Gateway to the Douro Landscape

As an integral part of the famous Douro Line, one of Portugal's most scenic railway routes, Pinhão Station serves as a gateway to explore the natural and cultivated beauty of the region. Its presence and unique aesthetics make it a point of interest that complements the experience of those visiting the Douro Wine Region, offering a glimpse into the tradition and legacy that have shaped this singular landscape over centuries.

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