We know that the name Paul comes, or rather, it is due to the fact that, in antiquity, there were numerous “cantanospauis“.
24 km from the county seat, on the southern slope of Serra da Estrela, Paul is one of the most historic and traditional parishes in the county of Covilhã.
It is located on the left bank of the Caia stream, a tributary of the Zêzere river that greatly contributes to the fertility of its lands.
It consists of the places of Paul and Taliscas.
The Paul valley, rich in water resources, is located at the foot of Serra da Estrela, which can be accessed via a few pedestrian paths. The natural topography and hydrology are clearly an asset so that, in terms of leisure, it offers unique conditions for escaping the stress of everyday life.
Adults and children enjoy a wide range of options, from the natural pool torn in the cliffs, the dams, the water eyes, the river beach, complemented by sport fishing and canoeing.
In the village of Paul, some monuments stand out not only for their historical and ancient nature, but also for their majesty and magnitude.
Mother Church
This baroque temple has a rich paneled ceiling in Italian art, invoking Our Lady of the Annunciation, patron saint of the same and the town, and is considered by specialists to be the largest painted painting in Portugal. Of the five altars, three stand out for their rich gilded carvings with fine ornament, in addition to the old and beautiful liturgical images implanted there.
Sanctuary
At the time of the French Invasions, the promise says that if Paul did not suffer any damage, they would build a hermitage on top of Monte da Fonte Santa and in the times to come, during the priory of Father José Santiago, the population was encouraged to create a commission for the realization of the great work that would result in the important and imposing Sanctuary in honor of Nossa Senhora das Dores.
The Sanctuary built in 1954 is, according to the chroniclers, one of the most beautiful in Portugal. Its imposing staircase, flanked by twelve chapels, each representing a stage in the life of Christ, with life-size figures, culminates in the temple, making it a place of pilgrimage.
The complex includes an Apostolic Center with great capacity for spiritual, pastoral and socio-cultural formation.
Vila do Paul also has a beautiful cross surrounded by a small garden, the fountain in the square (where girls go with grace to fill the pucarinho), the village would supply itself with water just as the animals could quench their thirst. Others where tile blocks were placed are still visible.
