Linhares da Beira
Linhares da Beira — a 12th-century village of granite houses and medieval fortifications — merges centuries of history with natural beauty. Its historic castle, narrow streets and old manor-houses reflect its rich past.
Community characteristics
A medieval town dating back to the 12th century, Linhares da Beira has a unique architectural and artistic diversity, testimony to its dense and rich history. In 1169, it was granted a charter by King Afonso Henriques, although it had already been honoured by Ferdinand the Great in the 11th century. During the reign of King Dinis, the fortification was redesigned with an imposing keep leaning against the wall.
Community strengths and smartness
The history of the landscape and the ancestral community knowledge associated with this ecosystem, from which the village takes its name, inspired the creation of the Linum | Innovation and Creative Ecosystem for Value Co-Creation project. It is a multidisciplinary project that falls within the areas of specialisation of the Collective Efficiency Strategy of the Historic Villages of Portugal 2030 Network: 'Biodiversity/Sustainable Agriculture'; 'Cultural and Creative Industries'; 'Sustainable Tourism' and 'Sustainable Construction', focusing on the different stages of the flax production process: harvesting; processing; transformation (textile, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry; food industry). Based on an ancient practice (production and processing of flax) that has now disappeared, but of which there is still common knowledge (cultivation, spinning and weaving), the project aims to reactivate it, following the parameters of sustainability throughout the process and outputs, supported by the dynamics of innovation and the application of scientific knowledge already built up in some areas related to this new sector. The project has been submitted for funding and the results are awaited. The Historic Village of Linhares da Beira has a wireless network for free use in public spaces and has developed actions in the field of physical and digital accessibility, two networking projects promoted by the AHP-ADT with the 10 municipalities that make part of the Historic Villages of Portugal Network.
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