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Before starting this journey through one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, through this link, you should read and learn a little more about Sistelo .
What to visit in Sistelo?
Interpretation Center of the Cultural Landscape of Sistelo
The first point of visit to Sistelo, and without a doubt a must-see, is the Interpretative Centre of the Cultural Landscape of Sistelo, the house of the Viscount of Sistelo.
In this small museum, you will learn more about Sistelo and its people.
Access is only on foot.
Before visiting the Sistelo Cultural Landscape Interpretation Centre, through this link, you should read and learn a little more about it.
Sistelo Church
In the same place where the Interpretation Center is located, that is in center, there is also the Main Church of Sistelo and the Tomb of the Viscount of Sistelo.
These medieval buildings of unknown date are built using granite, a raw material abundant in the region.
Access is only on foot.
Sistelo Granaries
Also in the center, there is one of the several community threshing floors of Sistelo, where you can see the Sistelo Granaries (Espigueiros), typical constructions in the region of the Peneda Gerês National Park , these used to store corn "the gold of Minho".
Access is only on foot.
Beiga Bridge
Under the River Vez, and in the lowest part of Sistelo, is the Beiga Bridge, a medieval bridge located relatively close to the center, used to pass to the eastern part of the village.
This bridge is part of the Ecovia do Vez (hiking trail), and access is only on foot along uneven cobbled paths, and must be done with care.
Viscount Bridge
The Visconde Bridge is also located under the Vez River.
The main arch having already collapsed, it is now equipped with a modern structure.
Access is only on foot via a staircase with a slope, and must be done with care.
Portela Bridge
The Portela Bridge would have once been the main passage bridge to the North.
Access is only on foot along uneven cobbled paths, and must be done with care.
Estrica Viewpoint
The Estrica Viewpoint is located in the eastern part of Sistelo, and from there it is possible to contemplate the Upper Valley of the Vez River, the center of Sistelo, Padrão Winter Village (Sistelo), Porta Cova Winter Village (Sistelo), Alhal Summer Village (Sistelo), and Soajo Mountains .
Estrica Winter Village
Of the 6 rural villages that complete Sistelo, Estrica is one of them.
Padrão Winter Village
Padrão, jokingly, is the "public relations of Sistelo", as it is the place that appears most frequently in media photographs.
Access is only on foot.
Padrão Granaries
In Padrão, more precisely in its centre, you can see the various granaries that exist, which some say are more than just houses.
Access is only on foot.
Terraces Viewpoint
Perhaps one of the most important points of visit to Sistelo is the Terraces Viewpoint as it allows a panoramic view over a large part of the agricultural area, namely the terraces (socalcos).
Porta Cova Winter Village
Somewhat enclosed between the Upper Valley of the Vez River and a small valley of one of its tributaries, is the Porta Cova Winter Village.
Porta Cova Mill
In Porta Cova, you will find the inactive Porta Cova Mill, once used to grind corn using water power.
This mill has an atypical construction in the regional context, as it has a false dome construction, characteristic of "Cardenhas" (shepherds' shelter).
Porta Cova Granaries
Next to the Porta Cova Mill are the Porta Cova Granaries, some of which are perched on large rocks.
Alhal Summer Village
At an altitude of 700 meters, there is Alhal Summer Village (Branda do Alhal), an area for farming and raising livestock.
The "brandas" or "verandas" (summer village) are small housing units used seasonally, particularly as part of the transhumance phenomenon. The hot season was spent in the Summer Villages (brandas) and the cold season in the Winter Villages (inverneiras).
Estivadinha Bridge
Under the River Vez and of medieval origin, is the Estivadinha Bridge.
This beautiful bridge was and is the passage from the wintering villages of Padrão and Porta Cova to the North zone (Monção).
Access to the bridge is on foot, via cobbled paths, with a high drop, so you must be careful.
Sistelo is much more...
However, the main points of interest in Sistelo are listed here.
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