Caminhos da Pré-História

The territory of Fratel encompasses the area between the Tagus River, the Ocreza River, and the quartzite ridge formed by the Serra das Talhadas. During prehistoric times, this territory provided suitable living conditions for agro-pastoral communities that also subsisted on hunting, fishing, and gathering. These communities lived in the “Charnecas” (Charneca do Fratel, Charneca do Janome, Charneca das Vinhas, Charneca do Vilar de Boi, and Cabeço da Velha) and buried their dead in the countless monuments (dolmens and burial mounds) scattered throughout that territory and produced many thousands of engravings on the rocky banks of the Tagus and Ocreza rivers.

The walls and some old houses that flank the route are interesting vestiges of a traditional technique that uses schist, interspersed with boulders, bound by clay mortar, for dividing properties and construction.

This path leads to the site of Canas, where a prehistoric burial structure was found, in the form of a mound (or mamoa), which yielded important artifacts now on display at Vila Velha de Ródão at the Permanent Archaeology Exhibition of the Center for the Interpretation of Rock Art (CIART), which is well worth a visit once the renovation work is complete.

Take note of the vegetable gardens, laid out near the terraces, taking advantage of the soil quality and water runoff, which enable traditional subsistence farming.

At the top of the Charneca, to the right of the path, you can see the remains—now practically destroyed—of the base of a prehistoric wall, which a specific panel highlights its role and strategic importance.

Take the opportunity to visit the Museum Center that preserves the memories of this community, located in the building of the former elementary school, and if you’re a fan of traditional sweets, we challenge you to try the nógados and pantufas, true delicacies of Fratel. This tour is suitable for families with young children and should be taken from October to June.