Schist Villages
A unique cultural landscape in Central Portugal
Did you know that schIst villages stretch across....
Territory of 5.000 km2
27 villages
4 territorial units
4 classified areas
1 dark sky certification
The closest territorial unit is Tejo-Ocreza, which includes the villages of:
- Figueira (15 minutes by car, 12 km away)
- Sarzedas (35 minutes by car, 27 km away)
- Água Formosa (45 minutes by car, 40 km)
- Martim Branco (50 minutes by car, 40 km away)
The schist village of Álvaro is part of the Zêzere territorial area, but is relatively close to us, around 35 minutes by car (31 km).
Why not plan a visit to some of the villages on your journey back to us or on your journey home? Most, even from other territories, are on the way and have great restaurants.
GPS Figueira: 39.751858, -7.852075
GPS Álvaro: 39.975688, -7.965690
Centro de Ciência Viva da Floresta
It is a space for scientific and technological dissemination, integrated into the national network of Ciência Viva Centers, where the theme is the forest.
It has a permanent interactive exhibition that allows you to discover how the Portuguese forest is constituted, its importance from a socioeconomic, ecological and environmental point of view, and learn about the threats to which it is subject and what we can do to protect it. In addition to the exhibition area, CCVFloresta has many other facilities and activities throughout the year.
There is a small café with a pleasant terrace, open all year round, and where the "Cafetaria officinalis" is located, an inclusive café, with lunch service on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
GPS: 39°44′1.92″N 7°52′34.66″W
Go to the museum
Arts Itinerary
A route with several points of cultural and artistic interest spread across the municipality of Proença-a-Nova and integrated into the natural landscape. At the various stops you will be able to enjoy painted murals, sculptures, statues and other artistic installations. To travel by car.
Isilda Martins Museum
It was on the initiative of Isilda Martins that she began collecting everyday objects, clothes, agricultural implements and other typical utensils from the past. You need to make an appointment in advance for the visit.
Linen and Weaving Museum Center
Located in the Interpretation Centre of the village of Foz do Cobrão, this museum explores the history of linen and weaving, a legacy from ancient times. Prior booking is required for the visit.
For more cultural options, just 30 minutes from our accommodation, the city of Castelo Branco offers a variety of fascinating museums, always ready to welcome your visit.
We can highlight the
Cargaleiro Museum,
dedicated to the collection of ceramics and paintings by the artist Manuel Cargaleiro, the
Silk Museum, which tells the story of silk production in the region, or the
Francisco Tavares Proença Júnior Museum, dedicated to archaeology, sacred art and textile art. You can also discover the richness of the city's embroidery, recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Portugal by UNESCO, at the
Castelo Branco Bordado Interpretation Centre.