Since its reactivation, the Carvalhal Development Association (ADC) has become an active agent in the parish’s cultural, heritage and community life, strengthening partnerships and promoting initiatives with local and regional impact.
Recent Cultural Programme
Since 2024, ADC has stepped up its cultural programming, deepening collaboration with academic centres, researchers and local partners, in a spirit of shared knowledge and appreciation of the territory.
2025 – Estórias no Carvalhal (Carvalhal Stories)
In 2025, ADC joined the Estórias no Carvalhal series, with sessions held at Quinta dos Loridos, in partnership with CHAM — Centre for the Humanities (NOVA FCSH). The series was launched with the participation of ADC’s President, Maria Fernanda Quadros, and researcher Nunziatella Alessandrini, strengthening the link between academic research and the local community.
2025 – The Art of Falconry
In the same year, ADC supported the event A Arte da Falcoaria (The Art of Falconry), held on 18 October 2025 at Quinta da Granja (Carvalhal). The opening session was led by Nunziatella Alessandrini and Fernanda Quadros, with contributions from Themudo Barata and António Carapuço, in a gathering that brought together heritage, tradition and specialist knowledge.
Projects Under Way and Local Action
Working together with the Carvalhal Parish Council (Junta de Freguesia do Carvalhal, JFC) and other bodies, ADC is involved in several structuring projects for the village:
Rehabilitation of the Pilgrims’ Hostel (Albergaria dos Peregrinos)
A project to restore the old Albergaria building, which the owners plan to donate to the JFC, with a view to applying for LeaderOeste funding. Once restored, the space is expected to be managed by ADC.
Technical coordination: architect Rui Viola.
Rehabilitation of the Village’s Main Entrance Square
A project to upgrade the village’s main entrance square, with a desirable application to the Bombarral Municipal Council’s 2026 Participatory Budget, complemented by patron support. It also includes a study of solutions related to electric mobility.
Religious Heritage and Surrounding Area
Implementation of the proposals submitted to the Bombarral Municipal Council by the Lisbon School of Architecture, concerning the Ermida / Santuário / Carvalhal, to which the rehabilitation of the Caminho do Castanhal is to be added, strengthening the connection between heritage, landscape and pedestrian mobility.
Community Spaces
Formalising a space-sharing arrangement at the Carvalhal Primary School, including storage areas, for use by the JFC and in support of community and association activities.
Planning, Traffic and Quality of Life
Resuming work on:
- Waste management
- Signage
- Parking and traffic
With particular attention to an immediate ban on heavy vehicle traffic on the main streets of the village’s historic centre.
Urban Monitoring
Strengthened oversight of new construction work, including repair and improvement projects, and monitoring of the architectural plans for Carvalhal’s two most emblematic buildings.
This monitoring, carried out by the JFC and ADC, aims to prevent negative impacts on the village’s urban character and on residents’ quality of life.
Join Us
Be part of the cultural transformation in Carvalhal!
The Carvalhal Development Association is open to everyone who believes that preserving local identity means building the future. Explore our website, discover our initiatives, and become part of this journey.