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Robinson Factory

Robinson Factory

Highlight • Monument

Robinson Factory

Name: Robinson Factory
Rating: 2

Recommended by 2 hikers

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Location: Sé, Portalegre, Portugal

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1. View of Portalegre loop from Sé

15.0km

04:19

380m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

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2. Estádio Eduardo de Sousa Lima – Frazoa Geodetic Marker loop from Sé

7.10km

02:01

160m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

João Carlos Correia

3 days ago

The **Robinson Factory** is undoubtedly the greatest symbol of Portalegre's industrial identity and one of the most important landmarks of the cork industry in Portugal.

Although the factory itself is no longer in operation, the site is a complex heritage site that exists in two distinct realities: the **museum center** (open to visitors and restored) and the **industrial complex** (largely abandoned and awaiting rehabilitation).

Here is an updated summary of what you need to know, whether you are planning a visit or want to understand its current state:
### 1. What to Visit (The Restored Part)
The part that has been fully restored and is open to the public is managed by the Robinson Foundation and operates within the former convent.

* **Museum Center of the Church of São Francisco:** The original factory was installed in the ruins of this convent. Today, you can visit the restored church, which blends religious architecture (Gothic and Baroque) with the memory of the industrial occupation.

* **What to see:** Historical tombs, sacred architecture, and temporary exhibitions organized by the Foundation.
* **Robinson Space (Auditorium):** Some buildings have been adapted for cultural events and conferences, maintaining their original design.

## 2. The Industrial Complex (The "Factory" Part)
This is the city's trademark, visible by its tall brick chimneys, but access is more restricted and its state of conservation is a matter of public debate:
* **Current State:** Most of the industrial sheds, boilers, and steam machinery remain on site, but many buildings are dilapidated. It is considered a unique "Industrial Archaeology" site in the Iberian Peninsula.

* **Rehabilitation:** There have been several projects and political intentions to transform the 7 hectares of the factory into a cultural and tourist hub, but the total rehabilitation project has progressed slowly. The issue of recovering the chimneys and roofs is recurrent in local politics (especially in years of municipal elections).
* **Visibility:** Even without entering the security-restricted areas, it is possible to appreciate the imposing industrial architecture from **Largo do Jardim do Operário** and **Avenida George Robinson**.

## 3. A Little History
To understand the importance of the place:
* **Origin:** Founded in **1848** by the Englishman George Robinson (who bought the factory started by the Reynolds family).

* **Impact:** For decades it was the economic "lungs" of Portalegre. The Robinson family not only created jobs, but also founded the factory's fire brigade (today the Portalegre Volunteer Firefighters), nurseries and supported the community.

* **The End:** Operations definitively ceased in **2009**, marking the end of a cycle of more than 160 years.

Format: Google. (2025). Gemini (Version of November 23) [Large Language Model]. gemini.google.com

Translated by Google •

João Carlos Correia

3 days ago

A magnificent example of industrial architecture, with its two imposing chimneys serving as an icon of Portalegre.

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Ludgero Guerreiro🇵🇹

3 days ago

I still remember this factory when it was working; I remember well the number of workers it employed.
Like everything in life, it has a limited lifespan, and its operational period ended in 2009. Fortunately, it wasn't completely abandoned, and part of it is in a condition to be visited, preserving its memory. 👍

Translated by Google •

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Elevation 500 m

Weather

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Wednesday 26 November

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Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

See hikes here

Take Me There

Location: Sé, Portalegre, Portugal

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Robinson Factory

1. View of Portalegre loop from Sé

2. Estádio Eduardo de Sousa Lima – Frazoa Geodetic Marker loop from Sé

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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