What to visit in Sernancelhe

 Sernancelhe, Land of the Chestnut, is a place of history, heritage and tradition. Centuries of connection to the chestnut tree have shaped the landscape of its villages and hillsides. A land of shepherds and faith, it holds one of the most beautiful pages in the spread of the cult in Portugal and the world.

Viewpoints:

Sernancelhe has viewpoints where you can admire its landscapes: Miradouro Nossa Senhora das Necessidades; Miradouro de Nossa Senhora da Saúde; Miradouro de Nossa Senhora ao Pé da Cruz; Miradouro de Santo Estevão; Miradouro do Castelo.

Green spaces:

If you’re looking to relax, go on a mountain bike trail, make passes of the Way of St. James, or simply take a stroll, the Serra da Lapa and the Passadiços do Távora are the ideal places.

Heritage:

In this municipality you’ll find monuments and buildings of great importance. The 17th century A-de-Barros manor house is a symbol of the ancient alliance between royalty and the people. The Solar dos Araújo Coutinho, now a local guest house, was the birthplace and childhood home of the Marquis of Pombal. The Pátio do Carregal was the birthplace of the writer Aquilino Ribeiro until he was 10 years old.

In terms of religion, several monuments stand out: The Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Saúde, the Church of Santo Estevão, the Mother Church of Sernancelhe, the Church of São Miguel Arcanjo and the Romanesque Church of Fonte Arcada. The Nossa Senhora da Lapa Sanctuary, a landmark of Our Lady’s apparition in 1493. The Nossa Senhora da Assunção Convent, founded in 1692, was the last Cistercian monastery to be created in Portugal.

Museums:

To get to know the history and culture of this municipality, we suggest you visit the Chestnut and Chestnut Tree Space and the Padre Cândido Museum.

Gastronomy:

Sernancelhe’s gastronomy is based on the products and rituals of the mountain territories. Among the gastronomic highlights of this region are torresmos, carne estremeada, roast fêveras and fried liver with boiled potatoes. Oven-roasted cod, kid goat, smoked meats (morcelas, farinheiras, moiras, chouriças and salpicões) and river fish in escabeche sauce are other examples of Sernancelhe’s gastronomic highlights. The capital of chestnuts, Sernancelhe offers chestnuts as a food supplement, boiled, roasted, in pudding or jam. Finally, Sernancelhe’s most popular sweets are fálgaros from Tobosa do Carregal and cavacas from Freixinho.

Visit Sernancelhe, visit the Douro, a region that has a lot to offer and stories to tell.