Penedono

Penedono is a municipality about 70 km from the administrative capital Viseu. Geographically located on the edge of Beira Alta, it is the gateway to the Douro, a region with which it maintains a strong affinity, not only because of its proximity, but also because of the healthy, centuries-old interaction between the people of these two regions.

To find Penedono is to discover a municipality steeped in history. The people of the megalithic period wandered through these lands, leaving behind countless constructions that bear witness to their stay and passage through this territory, the most important of which is the Dólmen da Senhora do Monte in Penela da Beira, classified as a National Monument in 1961. The origins of this “nook of Beira” date back to the dawn of Portuguese nationality, and its castle is the crown jewel of its ancestry. Assuming vital importance in the Christian Reconquest, it was later rebuilt in the 14th century by D. Vasco Fernandes Coutinho, grandfather of the Insigne “Magriço”, immortalized in Canto VI of the Lusíadas by Luís Vaz de Camões, who is believed to have been born here. It was classified as a National Monument in 1910.

In addition to the ancient Castle of Penedono, there is a vast religious and civil heritage all over the municipality, ranging from medieval to more contemporary times. However, in addition to its historical heritage, Penedono proudly boasts its cultural traditions, diverse manifestations that have been perpetuated in the mists of time and are revealed today in magnificent examples of handicrafts, such as the ceiras and caspachos from Beselga and other artifacts that express its distinctly medieval traits.

However, despite its historical and cultural richness, Penedono is a municipality with cross-cutting potential in various economic sectors, such as tourism. It has unique and singular landscapes that will delight nature sports lovers. Chestnuts are also produced here, a high altitude chestnut whose characteristics are widely recognized by national and international markets, and which is marketed by the Penela da Beira Agricultural Cooperative. In the parish of Souto, a village with a particular microclimate, we can find the “Solar do Freixos” olive oil, produced by the Cooperativa Agrícola dos Olivicultores do Torto, which has earned its place in the specialty markets and has even won awards at various competitions.

Penedono is a municipality that is proud of its past and has it as the cornerstone of its present and future. As such, and as a way of promoting it, every year on the first weekend of July it organises the Penedono Medieval Fair. During these days, the town of Penedono faithfully recreates a medieval environment where visitors are invited to interact with the various characters who bring to life the typical situations of the time represented. Throughout the streets and alleys, you’ll find jesters, noblemen, jugglers, jousting and duels of honor. The highlights of this event are the “Fidalgos’ Supper” and the “Assault on the Castle”.

On the second weekend of November, the “Mercado Magriço” takes place, an event that is seen as a showcase of the municipality’s economic potential, where all sectors of the Penedon economy are represented, ranging from industry, commerce and services, to agriculture, livestock, gastronomy and handicrafts. In addition to its economic component, the event also features cultural events, with various shows ranging from traditional music to more modern sounds.

For this and everything else, we believe that Penedono is worth a visit!

Don’t know it yet? Mark your calendar and come and discover us. We’ll be delighted to welcome you!