History of the building
The Serra da Estrela Sheep Interpretive Centre’s mission is to preserve, disseminate and increase appreciation for this native breed of sheep, its economic, historical and cultural importance in the Serra da Estrela region.
The building that houses the Serra da Estrela Sheep Interpretive Centre, located at no. 2 Rua Direita, Santa Marinha, dates to the first half of the 18th century, the Modern Period. Over its three centuries of existence, it has had other uses: it has been the Town Hall and Jail, and even a courthouse, known for being in Largo da Praça next to the Santa Marinha Pillory, which dates to the early 16th century. The building was adapted for its current use during 2022 and 2023. It is currently a Listed Building in Portugal.
Vila de Santa Marinha (or Santa Marinha da Serra) received its charter from King D. Afonso Henriques in 1150 and owes its name to its patron saint, the virgin martyr Saint Marinha, who was venerated as early as the 12th century. The area was important during Roman times, functioning as a centre for rural estates to undertake and develop activities linked to agriculture and shepherding, as well as the processing and transformation of wool. The milestones found in the town and the region suggest that one of the most important Roman roads crossed the town from São Romão.
Throughout the 20th century, it maintained a close link to the pastoral life of Serra da Estrela, becoming one of the most important towns for sheer numbers of shepherds and sheep. It is a crossroads on one of the seasonal migration routes, a path travelled by sheep between Aldeia Formosa - Seixo da Beira (Oliveira do Hospital) and Lagoa Comprida (Serra da Estrela), a two-day journey.
