Pinhão Train Station

Category: Civil Architecture > Railway Station

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

Location

The Pinhão Railway Station is located in the center of the locality that gives it its name, right on the banks of the Douro River. It is accessed via Largo da Estação, in an area that offers a direct connection with the surrounding wine landscape. Its central position in the village makes it a point of arrival and departure immersed in the natural beauty of the valley.

The Tiles: A Douro Gallery

One of the station's greatest attractions are the 24 tile panels that adorn its walls, totaling over three thousand pieces. This remarkable collection of ceramic art, produced by Fábrica Aleluia from Aveiro and installed in 1937, functions as an authentic visual gallery. The illustrations vividly portray the traditions and daily life of the people of the Douro, with a special focus on the different stages of the wine cycle, from the grape harvest and the transport of grapes in baskets, to the iconic descent of the rabelo boats down the river.

In addition to telling the vibrant story of vine cultivation, some of these panels preserve the memory of landscapes that no longer exist, such as the old Cachão da Valeira or the original railway bridge of Ferradosa, submerged or altered by the construction of dams. This particularity gives them additional documentary value, enriching the experience of observing the tiles.

A Railway and Wine Legacy

Inaugurated in 1880, the Pinhão Railway Station played a central role in the region's history. The arrival of the Douro Line marked a new era for the transport of goods, particularly Port Wine, which departed from here for national and international markets. The station quickly established itself as a vital hub, facilitating the distribution of the wine production from the demarcated region.

Considered one of the most picturesque railway stations in the country, its 19th-century building features architecture that harmoniously integrates into the Douro landscape, maintaining the authenticity and charm of the era, in addition to the artistic richness of its tile panels.

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