Despite being small in size, Portugal is a giant country in terms of contrasts, stories, curiosities and landscapes. Whether it’s green mountains or more arid areas, the beauty of the national territory never ceases to amaze. And the same goes for its buildings.
From castles, fortresses and medieval houses to more modern constructions , there are many buildings that deserve to be called strange. That’s why we’ve decided to create this themed itinerary that promises to please fans of impressive places or those that defy conventional architecture.
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The Portuguese Flintstones House
Tucked away in the mountains of Fafe, about an hour from Porto, Casa do Penedo, also known as Casa dos Flinstones, is a unique construction, built in 1974 as a vacation home.
Integrated into the natural landscape and made up of huge boulders that form its structure, this house gained international fame thanks to its unusual architecture, being dubbed “the strangest house in the world”.
Nowadays, it’s possible to enjoy unique experiences on site, such as guided tours for just €7 or even exclusive lunches. For architecture lovers or those looking for a different refuge, this is an unmissable destination.
📍Rua Rally de Portugal nº 1610, 4800-000 Fafe
A church in the rock
Continuing our tour of Portugal’s strangest buildings, without leaving the northern region. This time, we’re taking you to Minho to see the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Lapa. And you don’t have to be religious to find this place surprising.
Located on Monte de Penamourinha, in the parish of Soutelo, in the municipality of Vieira do Minho, from the outside it looks like the chapel is in the shape of a cave. This is because it was painstakingly carved inside a gigantic granite cliff, immaculately integrated into nature.
Along with the building, whose first foundations may have been laid in the 17th century, this place is famous not only for the spectacular church, but also for the strength of a legend. It is believed that Our Lady of Lapa once appeared here to a young shepherd girl.
Every year since then, a pilgrimage has been made to the site on the second Sunday in July. As well as its architectural and religious importance, this site stands out for its natural beauty, which is why we also suggest a stroll to the Senhora da Lapa view point, where an impressive view awaits you.
📍Monte de Penamourinha, Soutelo, municipality of Vieira do Minho
Stone Roof House
Located in the village of Penhas Douradas, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, the truth is that there is little detailed information about the so-called Stone Roof House. Even so, due to its peculiarity, it is often mentioned in lists of Portugal’s “strangest buildings”.
One of the most curious aspects about it is, of course, the fact that its roof is a large rock, serving as an example of the sometimes ingenious ability of humans to adapt to conditions that are not always so easy.
In general, it is believed that this building served as a shelter for shepherds who practiced transhumance in the Serra da Estrela, housing supplies, agricultural tools and even overnight stays during long and difficult journeys with their cattle.
📍Penhas Douradas, municipality of Manteigas
Inverted House
Although it became known as the ‘Inverted House’, this building was never designed to serve as a dwelling, but rather as an EDA (Electricity of the Azores) electricity transformer station.
Located in Furnas, on the island of São Miguel, this is truly one of the strangest buildings in Portugal, as its construction defies any logic of conventional architecture.
After all, it was literally built upside down, with the roof facing the ground and the base facing upwards. From the outset, the aim was to build something that would make an impact. And today, this ‘Inverted House’ really is a tourist attraction!
📍 EN1-1A 1, Furnas, São Miguel, Azores archipelago
Each of these buildings shows us that there are no limits to the imagination or the ability of human beings to adapt to different circumstances. So how about including one of these attractions in your next getaway to Portugal?