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Sunday 20 December 2020

ALDEIA DA PENA (PORTUGAL)

 


ALDEIA DA PENA
40° 52' 44" N;  8° 4' 25" W

Aldeia da Pena is a village in the parish of Covas do Rio, municipality of São Pedro do Sul, district of Viseu. It is one of the typical villages made of schist.

Located 325 km from Lisbon and 20 km from São Pedro do Sul, it is located in the Serra de São Macário, at the bottom of a deep valley, so access by car is somewhat complicated, entry is not allowed. of vehicles in the village.

Aldeia da Pena currently has only thirteen inhabitants with a few houses for housing. Despite being practically deserted, it is a mandatory stop for nature lovers, as it is located in the center of the valley and next to the Pena stream, with its clear but cold waters.

Arriving at the mythical village of Pena is only for the fearless. The road leading to this location is steep and only one car can pass at a time, despite having two directions. Don't be scared by the first adventure because after descending into the depths, it's guaranteed: the visit is well worth it! The whole village invites you to contemplation, with its unique setting in the landscape combined with the typical houses. The well-preserved shale and slate houses can be seen right from the top of the hill, offering a unique and inspiring setting.

Located right in the heart of the Gralheira massif, this is a wild area, in such a way that the village is shaded, as the sun only reaches the houses for a few hours a day. The lack of natural light, especially in winter, when there are only three hours a day, does not deprive this place of its unique beauty. Get lost, therefore, along the narrow paths, look around and be inspired by this corner hidden by the hills, which produces such beautiful dwellings where over the years a combative population has lived.