Filigree Route

The term filigree derives from the Latin filum granum, meaning "thread of beads". It refers to the artisanal technique of skillfully shaping ultra-fine threads of gold or silver, twisting and interlacing them by hand - the work of skilled enchedeiras and filigranos - to create intricate geometric patterns. The result is astonishing in its delicacy and captivating in its level of detail and complexity.

The city of Gondomar proudly holds the title of Portugal’s Jewellery Capital, thanks to its long-standing tradition of filigree craftsmanship. This art form is still practiced by hand in small, often family-run workshops, where techniques are passed down from generation to generation, safeguarding a unique and precious legacy.

The Filigree Route invites you to step inside these traditional workshops and discover the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of Northern Portugal.

In 2023, Gondomar Filigree was recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Portugal, a distinction that underscores the historical and cultural significance of this artisanal technique and the importance of preserving it for future generations.

For the Municipality of Gondomar, this art form represents a fundamental pillar of its cultural identity. It was in this spirit that, in 2016, the Filigree Route was created to promote and showcase the work of Gondomar’s true master goldsmiths. Visitors are invited to witness the creative process up close and to explore the workshops of the region’s most prominent filigree producers. The goal is not only to revitalise the tradition but also to attract new admirers and enthusiasts, ensuring that this unique art continues to thrive in Portugal’s cultural landscape.

Did you know...

 

At the national level, the municipality of Gondomar accounts for around 60% of all jewellery production in Portugal.

Come and follow the Filigree Route with us.

Portuguese filigree is known for its openwork design, formed by ultra-fine threads of gold or silver, skilfully twisted and intertwined to create delicate and intricate patterns.

The process begins with the melting of gold, which is shaped into bars and then drawn out into extremely thin strips — the structural base of the future piece of jewellery. This frame is then filled with painstakingly twisted and woven threads, creating harmonious and elegant patterns.

The elements are fused using heat alone, with no additional technologies or materials. To preserve the authenticity and delicacy of the work, the thread’s thickness must never exceed 0.22 mm. The final result is jewellery of extraordinary lightness and sophistication, a true symbol of the tradition and craftsmanship of Portuguese goldsmithing.

From the initial casting to the finished piece, it is a long and meticulous journey.