2 September 2026
68th International Volunteer Work Camp: young Europeans restore Uva’s traditional built heritage
Young people from various European countries came together and enjoyed a unique experience in Uva. Photo: Palombar.
The 68th International Volunteer Work Camp (IVWC) – for Rural Built Heritage, organised by Palombar – Nature and Rural Heritage Conservation – took place between 3 and 17 August in Uva, in the municipality of Vimioso, and brought together a group of 11 volunteers from Portugal, France, Italy and Spain to restore and preserve the vernacular heritage of the village of the dovecotes.
This IVWC was carried out as part of the NatuRural Heritage III project, funded by the European Solidarity Corps of the European Union, with the support of the Union of Parishes of Algoso, Campo de Víboras and Uva and the French association Union Rempart.
Rebuilding dry-stone walls, maintaining traditional dovecotes
Over a period of 15 days, the volunteers carried out restoration work on a dry-stone wall located next to the Church of Uva and maintenance work on several traditional dovecotes – structures that define the village’s identity and were built using local materials and knowledge passed down through generations, in harmony with the environment.
Discovering the area, sharing experiences
The work camp was also a ‘camp’ of discovery, sharing and intergenerational exchange. The participants visited and explored iconic sites in the north-east of Trás-os-Montes, such as Algoso Castle and PINTA – the Iberian Nature and Adventure Park in Vimioso. They spent time with the local community and experienced the region’s unique customs, crafts and traditions, whilst also visiting Mr Antão’s cutlery workshop, Mrs Fernanda’s loom, and the Menina d’Uva wine cellar in Uva.
The viewing of the total solar eclipse on 12 August in Vimioso and at PINTA, as part of the “Observe the Eclipse” initiative organised by AEPGA – the Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys, the Municipality of Vimioso and Palombar – was also a memorable moment for everyone, one that will remain in the collective memory.
Palombar continues to carry out its mission on the ground to preserve traditional vernacular rural heritage and revitalise the rural heartland, promoting the appreciation of its authentic identity.
This IVWC was carried out as part of the NatuRural Heritage III project, funded by the European Solidarity Corps of the European Union, with the support of the Union of Parishes of Algoso, Campo de Víboras and Uva and the French association Union Rempart.
Rebuilding dry-stone walls, maintaining traditional dovecotes
Over a period of 15 days, the volunteers carried out restoration work on a dry-stone wall located next to the Church of Uva and maintenance work on several traditional dovecotes – structures that define the village’s identity and were built using local materials and knowledge passed down through generations, in harmony with the environment.
Maintenance work on a traditional dovecote, an iconic feature of the village. Photo: Palombar.
Restoration of a dry-stone wall typical of the village and the region. Photo: Palombar.
Discovering the area, sharing experiences
The work camp was also a ‘camp’ of discovery, sharing and intergenerational exchange. The participants visited and explored iconic sites in the north-east of Trás-os-Montes, such as Algoso Castle and PINTA – the Iberian Nature and Adventure Park in Vimioso. They spent time with the local community and experienced the region’s unique customs, crafts and traditions, whilst also visiting Mr Antão’s cutlery workshop, Mrs Fernanda’s loom, and the Menina d’Uva wine cellar in Uva.
A visit to Algoso Castle and birdwatching in the area. Photo: Palombar.
At Mr Antão’s cutlery workshop, they learnt about this craft from the village’s last blacksmith. Photo: Palombar.
At the Menina d’Uva winery, they sampled the region’s finest wines. Photo: Palombar.
Total solar eclipse: the astronomical event of a lifetime
The viewing of the total solar eclipse on 12 August in Vimioso and at PINTA, as part of the “Observe the Eclipse” initiative organised by AEPGA – the Association for the Study and Protection of Donkeys, the Municipality of Vimioso and Palombar – was also a memorable moment for everyone, one that will remain in the collective memory.
We preserve vernacular heritage, and we promote and revitalise the rural world. Photo: Palombar.
Palombar continues to carry out its mission on the ground to preserve traditional vernacular rural heritage and revitalise the rural heartland, promoting the appreciation of its authentic identity.