Viarco factory
São João da Madeira
The only pencil factory of the Iberian Peninsula.
In Portugal, the production of writing tools began with the opening of Portugália – Fábrica Portuguesa de Lápis, based in Vila do Conde. But there was a turning point in 1931, when Manoel Vieira Araújo bought the factory and, years later, registered it as Viarco, moving its facilities to São João da Madeira.
Anyone entering Viarco is suddenly invaded by the smells and colours of the wood, graphite and inks used to produce a wide range of pencils that have accompanied generations.
The factory machinery transports visitors to another era of history, which has been well preserved since the last century.
Booking
São João da Madeira Industrial Tourism Welcome Center
Tel: (+351) 256 200 204
E-mail: turismoindustrial@cm-sjm.pt
Visit Official Website
Opening hours:
Monday*
Visits take place in the afternoon.
Tuesday to Thursday*
Visits take place throughout the day.
Friday*
Visits take place in the morning.
*Prior booking required.
Contacts
Viarco
Rua Jaime Freixo, nº 533, 3700-144, S. João da Madeira
Official website
São João da Madeira Tourism Office
Rua Oliveira Júnior, nº 591, 3700-204, São João da Madeira
Tel: (+351) 256 200 204
E-mail: turismoindustrial@cm-sjm.pt
