Three landmarks from the Beira Baixa region have been shortlisted for the Novas 7 Maravilhas de Portugal 2026 competition, giving residents and supporters of the region the opportunity to help local heritage sites gain national recognition through public voting.
The competition marks the 20th anniversary of the original 7 Maravilhas de Portugal initiative, first launched in 2007 to celebrate the country's most remarkable heritage sites. The 2026 edition returns to the project's roots, focusing on Portugal's built heritage and showcasing 147 shortlisted locations from across the country.
Candidates are competing across seven categories: Castles, Religion, History, Major Works, 20th Century, 21st Century and Tourism. Throughout the competition, the public will be able to vote for their favourite sites as the field is gradually narrowed down to the final seven winners.
Among the shortlisted sites are three landmarks from the Beira Baixa region, highlighting the area's rich mix of history, culture and architecture.
Centum Cellas Represents Roman Heritage
One of the region's candidates is Centum Cellas, located near Belmonte.
Often described as one of Portugal's most intriguing Roman monuments, the structure dates back nearly 2,000 years and remains the subject of debate among historians and archaeologists. While its exact purpose is still uncertain, theories suggest it may have formed part of a Roman villa, a temple complex or an administrative building.
Centum Cellas is competing in the History category and remains one of the most important archaeological sites in inland Portugal.
Jardim do Paço Episcopal Highlights Castelo Branco
Representing Castelo Branco is the Jardim do Paço Episcopal, one of the country's finest examples of a baroque garden.
Created during the 18th century, the gardens are known for their elaborate terraces, stairways, fountains and collection of statues depicting Portuguese kings, apostles and other historical figures. The gardens continue to attract visitors from across Portugal and abroad and are among the city's best-known attractions.
The Jardim do Paço Episcopal is competing in the Tourism category.
Modern Architecture at the Miradouro do Zebro
The third shortlisted site from the region is the Miradouro do Zebro, located in Oleiros.
Designed by internationally acclaimed Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the viewpoint overlooks the landscapes of the Serra do Muradal and surrounding valleys. The project has become one of Oleiros' most recognisable landmarks and demonstrates how contemporary architecture can enhance and celebrate the natural environment.
Its inclusion in the competition highlights the fact that the Novas 7 Maravilhas de Portugal programme recognises not only historic monuments but also significant modern architectural works.
How the Competition Works
The Novas 7 Maravilhas de Portugal 2026 competition combines expert evaluation with public participation.
The 147 shortlisted sites will progress through several stages, with members of the public invited to vote for their favourite candidates. The process will eventually identify seven winning landmarks, one representing each category.
For the shortlisted Beira Baixa sites, the competition provides an opportunity to reach a wider national audience and highlight the region's rich heritage, helping to attract new visitors and raise awareness of attractions that are often overlooked in favour of Portugal's larger cities and coastal destinations.
A Showcase for Beira Baixa Heritage
The inclusion of three Beira Baixa landmarks demonstrates the diversity of the region's heritage. Together they represent nearly two thousand years of history, from Roman civilisation to baroque landscape design and contemporary architecture.
Whether through the mystery of Centum Cellas, the elegance of the Jardim do Paço Episcopal or the striking modern design of the Miradouro do Zebro, the region has a strong presence in this year's competition and an opportunity to showcase some of its most distinctive attractions to the rest of the country.
Sources
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https://www.ointerior.pt/regiao/beira-interior-com-quatro-candidaturas-as-7-maravilhas-de-portugal/
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https://7maravilhas.pt/
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https://www.visitbelmonte.pt/
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https://www.cm-castelobranco.pt/
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https://www.cm-oleiros.pt/