Human settlement in Pampilhosa da Serra dates back to the end of the 2nd millenary before Christ, a testimony of which lies in the archeological finds of the area. The first chart was granted to the town of Pampilhosa da Serra in medieval times by king D. Dinis, and it was later confirmed in 1423 by João I. The church Igreja Matriz has a beautiful Renaissance altarpiece. The municipal Museum is interesting to visit.
To enjoy great views over the town you should go up to the gazebo Miradouro do Cristo Rei.
There is a municipal covered swimming pool, and a beach by river Unhais.
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In the village of Góis there is a church from 1415, whose choir dates back to the 16th century, with a beautiful Renaissance tomb from 1531, which is classified as historical monument.
The Royal Bridge over river Ceira dates back to the 16th century, it was built in 1533 on king João III 's order. At the entrance of the bridge by the foot of the Castelo wall, you find the Chapel of martyre S. Sebastião, from the 18th century.
The beach by the Ceira river is superb and the crystal clear stream is a true invitation to swim.
The wind farm das Mestras in Cadafaz – 1 000 m high on top of mountain range da Lousã, is a line of 20 wind engines that stretches on a distance of 2.5 km. From the hilltop the view is magnificent over all the surroundings.
It is a must to try the local gastronomy specialities, roast kid, goat and ewe cheese, and the delicious sweet pastries bolos da Várzea e de Góis.
The city of Fundão is situated on the septentrional side of the mountain. Its history is related to the settlement of numerous Jewish families who fled from Spain after 1492 and took refuge in the area. With their influence the city became an important centre of commerce and industry, then it declined during Inquisition times. The Marquis of Pombal in the 18th century established the Royal Factories in the town to revive the wool industry, and again cloth was exported towards the countries of northern Europe. Then the napoleonic invasions put an end to the city's prosperity.
Today the town is an important centre of industries and services. The area called Cova da Beira is a wide fertile valley that produces cherries, peaches, olive oil, wood pulp, and vegetables. Within the municipality there are wolframite mines (wolframite is the main mineral composer of tungsten) which are among the most important in the world. There are also lead and tin mines. Several springs of high quality mineral water are bottled in local factories and commercialised.
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Ilha dos padrões |
Fundão |
Castelo Branco
After the first king of Portugal's conquest in the 13th century the whole region was given to the Templar Knights, who erected the fortified walls and the castle. The ruins of the former castle can still be seen today, but what should absolutely be visited is the Bishop's Palace, - it has been turned into a museum - and the adjoining garden Jardim do Paço. It is one of the most beautiful baroque gardens in Portugal, it contains statues of allegories, kings, and zodiac signs, which are standing around ponds, terraces, flights of steps, namely the steps of the apostles and the steps of the kings.
Castelo Branco produces a famous cheese, and the other speciality of the town is bedspreads embroidered with silk thread, which are true works of art.
The town shelters a factory of industrial refriferators and freezers, and it is home to Danone portuguese branch.
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Castelo Branco - Jardim do Paço
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