Odivelas, Municipality in Lisbon metropolitan area, Portugal.
Odivelas is a municipality in the Lisbon metropolitan area that extends across residential neighborhoods and pine forests. The center is shaped by the historic monastery, while the periphery transitions into gentler, wooded landscapes.
King Denis founded the monastery in 1295, making Odivelas an important religious center. The 1755 earthquake caused severe damage to the building, but it was later restored and remains a landmark today.
The Monastery of São Dinis shapes the town center and reflects the religious importance this place held since medieval times. The church and surrounding buildings show how significant this monastery was for the local community.
Odivelas sits about 10 kilometers from central Lisbon and is well connected by tram and bus lines. Most attractions are reachable on foot from the town center, and the area has several parking options for visitors.
The name Odivelas comes from a playful royal story: King Denis visited the monastery at night, and his wife would ask if he was going to see 'them.' Over time, this casual question became the name of the place itself. It reveals how a simple royal exchange shaped the identity of an entire town.
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