Local Village

Aldeia do Xisto de Fajão

Local Village · Aldeias do Xisto · 707 m
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  • Aldeia do Xisto of Fajão
    Aldeia do Xisto of Fajão
    Photo: Aldeias do Xisto, Aldeias do Xisto
A story-book Village

Fajão nestles peacefully between the quartzite cliffs of the Penedos de Fajão and the River Ceira. And a certain Monsignor immortalized it in stories and woodcuts. 

This old town is cradled in a picturesque bowl in the mountain range, perched overlooking the River Ceira and close to its source, encircled by looming peaks of quartzite that call to mind ancient natural castles. Those wishing to practise mountaineering and scale these rocks can enjoy a unique vista.

Restoration work began in the village in September 2003, embracing both public spaces and private properties. Of their own accord, owners demolished part of their buildings and Fajão took on a more picturesque air. The village, a hotbed of culture, has its own museum named after Monsignor Nunes Pereira. The collection includes woodcuts, watercolours of Fajão and objects that form part of the village’s history (such as its first public telephone).

However, there is more to see and do in Fajão. Points of interest include the typical communal oven, the public wash house and the old primary school from the time of the Estado Novo dictatorship. The surrounding nature is also a crowning jewel of the village. From here, one can almost see the source of the River Ceira, a tributary of the Mondego.

Enter the churchyard , and experience the coolness of the Fonte Velha (Old Spring). Wander through the courtyards of the largo da cadeia (prison square) and the Monsenhor Nunes Pereira museum to the top of the village. There, the swimming pool lies waiting for the long summer days. As you stroll by, note the taramelas (wooden door latches) together with other unique architectural details. Follow the history related on the slate panels that refer to the "Tales of Fajão". Walk in the steps taken by the characters, seat yourself at their table and discover why the local cuisine is one of Fajão’s greatest attractions.

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Aldeias do Xisto
Update: July 23, 2021

By road

Do nó do IP3 com o IC12 até ao Fajão são 57km seguindo pela EN234-6, passando por Tábua até à EN17 (18km). Da EN17 seguir em direcção a Coja (9 km). Depois de atravessarmos a ponte sobre o Rio Alva, seguir à esquerda. Nos próximos 6 km vamos deparar com vários cruzamentos. A cerca de 4km atingirmos um desvio à direita. Em Casal de S. João contornamos a capela para a direita. No cruzamento seguinte atingimos a EN344 tomando a esquerda e logo após o desvio que nos levaria a AX Benfeita. Estamos a 24 km de Fajão.

Seguimos na EN344 efectuando uma extensa subida na qual, ao fim de 10 km, temos à direita o acesso à Relva Velha que nos levaria à Mata da Margaraça. Mas permanecemos na EN344 e adiante seguimos à direita (á esquerda seguiríamos para o Piódão). Novo cruzamento onde tomamos a esquerda. Quando iniciarmos a descida e depararmos com um painel da freguesia de Fajão, preparemo-nos para tomar a estrada à direita para descermos até ao Rio Ceira. Passamos Ponte de Fajão e iniciamos a subida para Fajão.

Coordinates

DD
40.149845, -7.922226
DMS
40°08'59.4"N 7°55'20.0"W
UTM
29T 591798 4444945
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Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

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