Portuguese Society of Municipalities with Historic Town Centres

The Portuguese Society of Municipalities with Historic Town Centres (APMCH – Associação Portuguesa de Municípios com Centro Histórico) is a Portuguese association that brings together municipalities committed to the preservation, rehabilitation and revitalisation of historic urban centres. It operates as a national association and a partner to the Portuguese State, a status recognised under Law No. 54/98 of 18 August. The association provides a platform for member municipalities to exchange best practices, access training, and advocate for policies supporting historic centres. APMCH organises national meetings, such as the Encontro Nacional de Municípios com Centro Histórico, and thematic events on urban risks. It also awards honours including the Medalha de Ouro da APMCH and the Prémio Nacional "Memória e Identidade". The association has reached 102 members as of 2026, confirming its role as a national representative body. It maintains partnerships, such as with FAUL, to offer postgraduate training in housing and rehabilitation for municipal technicians. The APMCH is active in cultural heritage events, including the Bienal Ibérica do Património Cultural. Its work supports sustainable urban development and the safeguarding of Portugal's historic town centres.

The Portuguese Society of Municipalities with Historic Town Centres (APMCH) is a Portuguese association that represents municipalities with historic centres. Its legal status as a National Association and Partner to the State is recognised under Law No. 54/98 of 18 August. The association has grown to 102 members as of 2026. It organises annual national meetings, such as the Encontro Nacional de Municípios com Centro Histórico, and thematic events on urban risks. APMCH awards honours including the Medalha de Ouro da APMCH and the Prémio Nacional "Memória e Identidade". It has partnerships for training, such as with FAUL for postgraduate courses in housing and rehabilitation. The association participates in cultural heritage events like the Bienal Ibérica do Património Cultural. Its governing bodies are elected for four-year terms; the 2026-2030 leadership was elected on 27 March 2026 in Castelo Branco.

• Law No. 54/98 recognises APMCH as a National Association and Partner to the State.

• APMCH participates in the Bienal Ibérica do Património Cultural in Sintra.

• Election of new governing bodies for the 2026-2030 quadrennium in Castelo Branco.

• APMCH reaches 102 members.

• Encontro sobre Riscos Urbanos to be held in Lagos.

• XX Encontro Nacional de Municípios com Centro Histórico to be held in Vila do Conde.

National association and partner to the Portuguese State for historic town centre municipalities.

1. 1EM DESTAQUE | apmchapmch.pt
2. 2Portuguese Society of Municipalities with Historic Town Centres - Wikidatawikidata.org