Interpretive Center "Camilo em Passos" Inaugurated in Fafe

Project Funded by Turismo de Portugal, IP

The project Interpretive Center “Camilo em Passos” – Casinha das Letras and Literary Walking Trails “Passos de Camilo” was 70% funded by Turismo de Portugal, representing an investment of 310,000 euros. It was part of the Apollo Line for the Enhancement of Inland Tourism, with the main goal of creating infrastructure with strong tourist appeal through the promotion of the region’s heritage and endogenous resources in the context of literary, cultural, and nature tourism. The project aims to enhance the region’s attractiveness by celebrating and bringing to life the legacy of the writer Camilo Castelo Branco.

On March 16, 2025, in the village of Paços, as part of the Bicentennial Celebrations of Camilo Castelo Branco in Fafe, the "Camilo em Passos" Interpretive Center was inaugurated—a journey through time where history, literature, and tradition came together to honor the romantic writer.

In his speech, the Mayor of Fafe, Antero Barbosa, praised the series of initiatives promoted by CCDR Norte, stating that “Fafe owes much to Camilo Castelo Branco”, and expressed his gratitude to all parish presidents “for the admirable work they do daily in their communities, as is the case in Paços.”

The inauguration was attended by Jorge Sobrado, Vice President of CCDR Norte, who stated: “With this interpretive center, Fafe confirms its role as both cartographer and guide of the northern geography. At the same time, it brings it into the future. The writer is now reaching new generations. This movement is spreading throughout the entire North region—from Porto to Trás-os-Montes, from the Douro to the Minho.” He also added that “the village of Paços is one of the most Camilian places in Portugal, where people live Camilo, feel Camilo, and love the writer.”

The "Camilo em Passos" initiative continued with a Camillian-themed lunch, where guests dressed in period clothing and embarked on a journey through time in tribute to one of the greatest names in Portuguese literature.

In the afternoon, events continued with:

• a presentation entitled "Why Read Camilo Today", by Eng. João Matos Fernandes, held at the Main Hall of Teatro Cinema;

• the signing of the manuscript of "O Morgado de Fafe em Lisboa";

• a theatrical performance of "O Morgado de Fafe em Lisboa" by the theater group Passos d'Alegria, at Teatro Cinema de Fafe;

• and the book launch of "Mistérios de Fafe", by Professor José de Oliveira Martins, also held in the Main Hall of Teatro Cinema.

The event also marked the beginning of the transcription project of the book "O Morgado de Fafe em Lisboa", which consists of the manual rewriting of this classic work, with a registry of all participants. The project is open to the public and available at the Municipal Library of Fafe, and everyone is invited to take part.