TRADITIONAL DOVECOTES
Restoration and maintenance
Traditional dovecotes are a distinctive feature of the Northeast of Trás-os-Montes, with great socio-cultural, architectural and ecological value. Built through the fusion of what the land offers and the skill of the people, they are an expression of rural life and the natural environment. We have already restored and maintained dozens of dovecotes in the region, ensuring the link with nature conservation and the sustainability and development of the territory.
A UNIQUE RURAL HERITAGE
Nutrition, fertiliser and status
An architectural and socio-ecological icon of the Trás-os-Montes landscape, they were built over generations in harmony with the environment, through the art and skill of those who work the land. They provided (and still provide) young pigeons, additional protein for the diet; biological fertiliser of high fertilising value, pigeon guano, known as "pombinho"; and status, as having many was synonymous of wealth. We have restored and kept alive these unique buildings in the region.
An architectural and socio-ecological icon of the Trás-os-Montes landscape, they were built over generations in harmony with the environment, through the art and skill of those who work the land. They provided (and still provide) young pigeons, additional protein for the diet; biological fertiliser of high fertilising value, pigeon guano, known as "pombinho"; and status, as having many was synonymous of wealth. We have restored and kept alive these unique buildings in the region.
- We have already restored all the traditional dovecotes in the village of Uva, more than 35, a historic milestone.
A PROMOTER OF BIODIVERSITY
Shelter and food for wild species
Dovecotes promote and conserve biodiversity. They are a source of food for endangered bird species, such as Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) and other species at risk. They shelter much more than pigeons and are home to a wide variety of wild species that find refuge here, such as geckos, lizards and insects.
We repopulate and maintain
We ensure the repopulation of restored dovecotes with healthy pigeons and their maintenance and health control. More than just restoring, we keep heritage alive and functional, so that it lasts.
Dovecotes promote and conserve biodiversity. They are a source of food for endangered bird species, such as Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata) and other species at risk. They shelter much more than pigeons and are home to a wide variety of wild species that find refuge here, such as geckos, lizards and insects.
We repopulate and maintain
We ensure the repopulation of restored dovecotes with healthy pigeons and their maintenance and health control. More than just restoring, we keep heritage alive and functional, so that it lasts.
DOVECOTES FESTIVAL
Created in 2022, every year in July it celebrates traditional dovecotes as part of the heritage of the village of Uva, in the municipality of Vimioso, which is strongly linked to the community, culture and conservation of local and regional nature. It is a festival with an innovative concept that promotes the region and its most authentic features.
- A creative and cultural festival that revitalises and develops the rural interior.
DO YOU HAVE A TRADITIONAL DOVECOTE?
If you own one or more traditional dovecotes, please fill in the form below. We are gathering information about owners of traditional dovecotes who are interested in restoring and repopulating this vernacular architectural heritage.
