An indoor cycling track with a 250-metre circumference gives Sangalhos a clear sporting focus. At the same time, local discoveries range from bicycle and motorcycle history to church furnishings spanning several centuries. Sangalhos offers concrete points of interest for these different themes.

Cycling and Two-Wheel History

The Velódromo Nacional in Sangalhos has an indoor cycling track with a circumference of 250 metres. Another facet of BMX is the Pista Olímpica BMX, which serves as a permanent training track for the Portuguese national BMX team. This training use may change; if it matters for your plans, check in advance. B-AND offers free bicycle collection at the Centro de Alto Rendimento / Velódromo Nacional in Sangalhos.

The Museu das Duas Rodas is also located at the Centro de Alto Rendimento de Anadia – Velódromo Nacional. It presents the local, national and worldwide history of bicycles and motorcycles. Its rare exhibits include bicycle and motorcycle parts, as well as a bicycle from the 19th century. The two-wheel theme thus ranges from the sports venue and training to the history of the vehicles.

Church and Historic Architecture

The Igreja Paroquial de Sangalhos combines a history of construction with furnishings from several centuries. In the first half of the 18th century, it was completely rebuilt under the responsibility of the Convento de Santa Clara de Coimbra. Its furnishings include a stone sculpture of the patron saint, S. Vicente, from the 16th century and two candle-bearing angels from the second half of the 18th century. The main altarpiece and the altarpiece on the Epistle side date from the 18th century and belong to the Joanine Baroque style; the baptismal font is in the Manueline style. These details show the differences in period and style.

The Casa de António Seabra and the Cruzeiro de Sangalhos also offer distinctive historical points of interest. Architect Cipriano Rodrigues Maia designed the Casa de António Seabra in 1922; it was completed in 1925. It was conceived in the aesthetic style of the Casa Portuguesa. With the exception of its modern central cross, the Cruzeiro de Sangalhos dates from the 17th century. The cross stands beneath a Corinthian column. Together, these buildings and monuments broaden the view beyond the church furnishings.

Visits and Route Planning

Advance booking is required for the bookable experience “II Visita ao Aliança Underground Museum” in Sangalhos. The guided tour of the Aliança Underground Museum includes a small flute of Aliança sparkling wine, accompanied by small rolls filled with suckling pig. Booking details may change, so check them before making plans.

Another way to plan a visit is to take the section of the GR58 – Grande Rota da Ria de Aveiro: Percurso Dourado. It runs from Sangalhos in Anadia to Palhaça in Oliveira do Bairro. This named route therefore leads from one place to another, rather than focusing on individual destinations in Sangalhos.

Discover more destinations: Arcos.

Go to the main travel overview: Anadia.