Piodão
So after curves and counter curves we find the
magnificent village of Piódão, one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal,
it was classified as a property of public interest since 1978, thus benefiting
from some protection. But only from its integration in the project of
“Historical Villages of Portugal”, did Piódão see its urbanistic set saved.
That is, within this program all cement houses and tile roofs were converted
into shale walls and slate roofs, thus enhancing the architectural wealth of Piódão.
Its typical shale and slate houses, with
painted blue windows, gracefully descend the slope of the mountain range,
forming an amphitheatre in this steep mountain range, being labled by many as "the village crib."
The circular route that we have here begins and
ends in Largo Cónego Manuel Nogueira, and connects the village of Piódão to the
place of Foz d'Égua. It is a path which slopes slightly, with one or two
exceptions. Some abandoned houses are testimony to the pastoral activity of
both goats and sheep. In the clearings can be seen bee hives, testimony of the
beekeeping activity, which is still taking place in the Serra do Açor.
Piódão nowadays has a good
touristic offer, with lodging, catering, and several shops with traditional
produce from the village, amongst them handicrafts, liquors, honey, bread and
other delicious gastronomic products.
What can be seen at Piodão:
No he's not dead, just lazing in the sun :P
What can be seen at Piodão:
- Almas Chapel - this was built in the 18th and 20th century, it has a wooden altar simple paintings of saints in purgatory. It was used as the mortuary chapel for Piodão and its neighbouring village.
- Parish Church - This simple church was built in the second half of the 18th century. To reach this church you climb some wide schist steps. It is dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception and has been restored and extended several time. The work done in 1898-1900 resulted in the current façade with four strong cylindrical buttresses that rise above the nave and are topped by cone. This work also involved construction of the bell tower and choir loft. The church’s chancel was extended and was fitted with four cylindrical columns with buttresses in each corner. The alterations were mentored by Canon Manuel Nogueira. Inside the high altar there is a renaissance-style carved altarpiece in gilded wood with image of Our Lady of the Conception, St Michael and St Sebastian. Other heritage items in the church: A 16th century limestone image of Our Lady of the Conception in a niche at the front watches over the square and blesses passers-by.
- Tourist Office/Museum - They are located in Largo Cónego Manuel Fernandes Nogueira. They welcome visitors to Piódão and provide information about handicrafts, accommodation, restaurants, walks and places of interest so that they can make the most of what the village has to offer. The museum houses a permanent exhibition of artefacts and works of art showing the way of life of the village people and also how they are regarded by those fortunate enough to visit the place. Enjoy the photos and we love comments ;)
Foz da Égua
In Serra do Açor, near the village of Piódão
and after traveling 8 km, we find Foz D'égua where the Ribeira do Piódão and
Chãs D'ígua meet and their route is locked by a dam, creating a mirror of water
and contributing to a paradisiac place espcially beautiful in the middle of summer. Still
downstream one will find the Torno river.
The place has a natural beauty, with two
existing bridges, the proximity of two mills in schist, a winery and the blocks
of stones carved by the current of the rivers, all of which can be experienced
by the tourist.
Some of the pedestrian accesses are quite
bumpy, linking the road to the beach by terraces that are transposed with small
stairs in shale.
Hope you enjoy the fotos that follow and when in Portugal I strongly suggest you add these to your "to see" list. 😉
Also if you are new to Portugal or even living here for many years I strongly recomend you travel with "Go On Travel" https://www.facebook.com/go.on.travel.viagens.pt/ they are very organized and professional! Enjoy the photos and leave a comment.
Come visit again soon when plan our next adventure 😼
Also if you are new to Portugal or even living here for many years I strongly recomend you travel with "Go On Travel" https://www.facebook.com/go.on.travel.viagens.pt/ they are very organized and professional! Enjoy the photos and leave a comment.
