The name has its origin in the Botany world, probably derived from the term “Cereceda”, a place where cherry trees blossom. Sarzedas is the only schist village to have been granted a nobility title, one of the highest and most prestigious distinctions it could get. In its heyday, it was also the capital village of the county. Nowadays, it is a quiet and relaxing village, filled with beautiful schist houses and preserving its hystorical atmosphere. The Pelourinho, the Matriz church, the Bell Tower, the Misericórdia chapel, the village fountain and the S. Pedro chapel, dating back to 1603, are all worth a visit! Although many Sarzedas noblemen officially had their residence in the Palhavã Palace in Lisbon, currently being used as the Spanish embassy, in later generations they permanently moved to the village, reaping the benefits of a much more relaxing and nature bound location.

Surrounded by the Gardunha and the Moradal mountain ranges, this fascinating village is famous for having the waters of the river Almaceda flowing through its streets. There are no churches or chapels here. It almost feels as if it has stopped in time, with each step unveiling a different and charming detail. The schist houses naturally stand out, but the use of granite is also common.  Inside the buildings, the traditional wooden and rammed earth walls are filled with clay and straw, providing the necessary termal insulation to keep people happy throughout the year.

The village where Fig Trees thrive! Hence the name Figueira, the portuguese word for the tree that is responsible for bringing the delicious fig into the world. As in Martim Branco, churches and chapels are nowhere to be found. Community gatherings to discuss the matters of the village occur often, and following a very ancient tradition: summoning the people using the “conch horn” – A ritual that dates back centuries ago and that somehow has kept itself relevant even today! Legend has it that wolves used to terrify the local population, and that the village’s very peculiar configuration reflects the need to protect people from this threat. Even today, some of the gates that used to lock the streets at night remain intact. There a few must-see places in Figueira: the house of the Balau family, the Community Oven (baking bread for the village since 1915), the fountain, the threshing floor and the several windmills scattered along the shore of the river.

Listening to the gente sound of the water tracks that give this beautiful village its name, as well as listening to the fountains spread throughout the area, is one of the most relaxing experiences we can suggest. Here, you can sit back and enjoy the company of little birds singing on the sidewalk, whose voices merge with the surrounding noises to create the perfect melody to unwind. If you pay close attention, it is also possible to see a wide variety of birds of prey flying around. In the waters of the Galega river, the diversity of wildlife is again impressive – expect to be greeted by tortoises and otters should you decide to come!

The origin of the name seems to have its roots in the white poplar, a tree species prevailing along the riverside of the village. During the Napoleonic invasion of Portugal, the population suffered immensely in the hands of the french army, even witnessing the transformation of its local chapel, the Misecórdia chapel, into a stable. In this schist village, the great majority of houses is painted white, with brightly colored doorways.

Made famous by its vast religious heritage, it was an important safe haven for the Order of Malta, whose enormous legacy is still felt in the village’s everyday life. The Misericórdia church and the remaining 6 chapels existing in Álvaro (S. António, S. Sebastião, Nossa Senhora da Nazaré, S. Gens, Nossa Senhora da Consolação e S. Pedro) are rich in sacred art,  plentiful in superb paintings and artifacts such as the “Senhor dos Passos” portrait or the renaissance sanctuary.

The landscape surrounding the village is stunning, with hills and mountain ranges scattered all around. To cap off the day, nothing better than some refreshing baths in the reservoir of the Cabril dam!

Located in the Gardunha mountain range, 30 kms away from the city of Fundão, Barroca’s unique appeal is particularly evident if you talk a hike in its nearby river, the Zêzere, and marvel at the surrounding nature. It is often said that its name originated from the “Chão de Cova”, a deep and ample valley adjacent to the village.

The influence that schist has in local constructions is paramount, although you may also sometimes find plastered or painted facades. Here, it is also possible to come across some aristocratic constructions from the XVIII and XIX centuries made out of schist, which is highly peculiar and very characteristic of this region. As in most schist villages, the religious heritage is very distinct and evident, with a few churches and chapels worthy of your attention: São Sebastião church, Nossa Senhora da Rocha, São Romão, São Roque and Nossa Senhora da Agonia.

Wandering around Barroca is one of the most memorable experiences we can suggest. A few places to keep in mind: the Casa Grande (the manor of the Fabião family and its private sanctuary), the parish church, a wide variety of private houses from the XVIII and XIX centuries, the wash-house, the pedestrian bridges, the lovers fountain and the Zêzere’s weir and windmill.

The area surrounding the river Zêzere is one of the main attractions of the village, filled with camping parks and river beaches where you can fully embrace nature. An eye-catching windmill, made entirely out of carved rocks, is a one of a kind example of this rare art. The rich religious heritage also has a strong presence in the village, of which the Matriz church and the Holy Christ chapel are a fantastic example. Yet more impressive is the architectural legacy, with houses popping up in the most unlikely hills and slopes.

Once here, is it highly recommended that you visit the diving fountain, a XVIII century monumento built in schist, that will allow to travel back in time and learn how water was collected to the entire village in those days. The S. Sebastião chapel also deserves an honorable mention, it is stunning!

Finally, by the river, you can find the geoheritage monument Meandros do Zêzere, a truly remarkable landscape belonging to the country wide famous Naturtejo geopark.

The Fraga de Água d’Alta waterfall is located near the village of Orvalho by the Água d’Alta river, a beautiful watercourse flowing down all the way from the top of the Muradal mountain range. Located right at the edge of this natural monument, where the stream of water drops from as high as 50m, there is a wonderful viewpoint where you can peacefully enjoy this true gift of nature. It is called the Cabeça Murada.

But there is more! Hiking along the river, you are sure to come across several other waterfalls and wooden bridges – an amazing experience where you can unwind while listening to the beautiful sounds of birds chirping and water streams flowing.