Chacim lies at the foot of the Serra de Bornes and is classified as an Aldeia de Portugal. The village combines a clearly dated textile history with a rural landscape. The Real Filatório de Chacim was founded in 1788 by a decree of Queen Maria I. The Centro Interpretativo do Real Filatório de Chacim is located next to the ruins. It provides information about the former factory and finds recovered during archaeological investigations.

Textile history and buildings

The combination of the ruins and the interpretation centre connects the factory’s history with an archaeological perspective. Its foundation in 1788 gives the factory’s history a specific date; the finds covered at the centre add another focus. The former site therefore does not stand alone, but is also connected with finds from archaeological investigations.

The small schist-stone Ponte do Bairrinho bridge is in the village, right next to the Real Filatório. Its proximity adds another local structure to the factory’s history. The Pelourinho de Chacim can also be recognised by a specific detail of its form: it stands on a platform of three square steps. The Capela do Desterro is one of the village’s historic architectural remains. Together, the factory, bridge, pelourinho and chapel showcase different facets of the built heritage, from the former industrial site to clearly defined architectural forms.

Rural landscapes and a short walking route

The Riacho de Chacim shapes the village’s rural landscape. The area around Chacim includes olive groves and vineyards, as well as pastures shaped by grazing animals. The stream, groves, vineyards and pastures give the landscape several distinct features. Alongside the village’s history, its rural setting is another reason to visit.

The short Rota Entre Aldeias starts and ends near an information board in the village of Chacim. This provides a specific point of reference for finding your way. The walking route complements the historical themes with a short hike and offers a different focus for planning your trip. If you are interested in both buildings and walking through the landscape, you can take both into account when deciding whether to visit Chacim.

Crafts and festive days

Traditional crafts in Chacim include weaving, embroidery and sewing. These crafts are considered a centuries-old tradition. They add another dimension to the village’s cultural identity alongside the history of the Real Filatório: on one side is the former factory, and on the other are traditional craft practices passed down through the generations.

Festive days are also part of Chacim’s cultural life. The Feira de São José takes place every year on 19 March. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the current programme in advance. The Feira das Cebolas preserves and celebrates local traditions. A report from 2023 gives 10 September as the annual date; the programme may vary from year to year. So, before your trip, check the latest festival information if this event is important to your plans.

There are several different reasons to visit: the dated history of the Real Filatório, historic buildings and traditional crafts on the one hand, and the landscape and walking route on the other. The Feiras add specific dates to this selection, which you can take into account when planning.

Discover more destinations: Chacim, Bragança, Torre de Moncorvo, Bornes, Miranda Do Douro, Alfândega Da Fé, Felgar, Macedo De Cavaleiros

See the overview of the wider region: Braganca.