Rota da Senhora dos Verdes

We begin the route at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Verdes and head toward Abrunhosa-a-Velha, where we catch a glimpse of a small wayside shrine. After 200 meters, we turn right and begin descending toward the Mondego River. We come across a shepherd’s shelter along the way; after 900 meters, we cross a stream, a tributary of the Mondego River. We begin to climb the Roman road, staying close to the Guimarães stream, until we reach the Moinhos da Retorta and the Moinhos da Ribeira. We continue straight ahead, pass by a railroad tunnel, and follow the EN 329-2 toward Abrunhosa-a-Velha. In the heart of the village, we find a 16th-century or Manueline-style window, the public fountain, the pillory, the Old Town Hall and Jail, and a little further on, the Santa Cecília Parish Church. We turn left and begin climbing toward Casal de São Sebastião. We pass the Tourist Information Office, the Library, and the Post Office; a little further on, we pass Casa da Cerca, the Mira Serra Rural Hotel, and the Chapel of São Sebastião. We continue climbing, and after a few meters, we come upon a superb view of the Serra da Estrela; we then begin to descend toward the village.The parish of Abrunhosa-a-Velha includes Vila Mendo de Tavares and Gouveia-Gare, with a total population of approximately 800.This circular route begins at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Verdes and passes through Azenhas da Retorta, the village of Abrunhosa-a-Velha, São Sebastião, the Abrunhosa-a-Velha train stop, and ends back at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Verdes. Hikers can enjoy the best that nature and history have to offer. The built heritage plays a major role along this route. The Chapel of Senhora dos Verdes, the Roman road, the water mills, the judge’s house, the pillory, the old jail and courthouse, the Church of Santa Cecília, the Casa da Cerca, the Hotel Mira Serra, the wayside shrines, the railroad stop, the Chapel of Santo António, the Roman road, and the wayside shrines will all provide a culturally enriching experience for anyone who chooses to take this route. The natural heritage is also worth highlighting. The parish of Abrunhosa-a-Velha is situated in a pleasant location, inviting to any tourist, and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the Serra da Estrela. Its banks are bathed by the Mondego River, which separates the municipalities of Mangualde and Gouveia. The landscape visible along this route is superb. Anyone who walks these trails will never forget the grandeur and beauty that the Serra da Estrela offers on the horizon. We’ll pass through several forested areas where we’ll find maritime pine, stone pine, olive trees, eucalyptus, mimosa, and other species.Hut: We catch a glimpse of a hut on our right, pass by the Cultural Center, the swimming pools, and the elementary school, and turn right. A few meters ahead, we come upon the bust of the illustrious Dr. Costa Sacadura on our right and the Chapel of Santo António on our left.We continue toward the Abrunhosa-a-Velha train stop, a beautiful architectural work featuring tile panels by Jorge Colaço; along the way, we’ll come across two small shrines. We continue straight ahead to the EN 329-2. A few meters further on, we arrive at the Chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Verdes, where we began our journey