PR2 OLR - Schist Trails of Álvaro - Very Noble Town

Hiking trail · Portugal

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Aldeias do Xisto

PR2 OLR - Caminho do Xisto de Álvaro - Mui Nobre Villa
Photo: Aldeias do Xisto, Aldeias do Xisto

The Mui Nobre Villa Route departs and arrives at the viewpoint over the river Zêzere, passing by terraces full of olive trees along the beautiful curving river.

Distance 7.3 km

2:30 h

332 m

333 m

630 m

327 m

Starting at the viewpoint, next to the parish church of Álvaro (Church of S.Tiago), this schist trail of 7.3 km follows the steep slopes near the village and passes via Longra. After passing the Chapels of Sto. António and S. Sebastião, we descend, through the olive groves to the stream of Alvelos, which we cross via a lovely Roman bridge and from where we can see the ruins of a number of watermills. Climbing through the pine and eucalyptus trees we will pass the Chapels of S. Pedro and Sto. António, before reaching Longra. From the final descent to Álvaro we have one of the best views of the village.

Author’s recommendation

Visit the vast and beautiful religious monuments in the Aldeia do Xisto of Álvaro and contemplate the landscape over the River Zêzere at the viewpoint next to the main church.

Book your stay, experience or meal at Book in Xisto.

Author

Andreia Gonçalves - ADXTUR

Update: December 15, 2020

Highest point

630 m

Lowest point

327 m

Track types

Show elevation profile

Safety information

Be careful as it can be warm in the summer and slippery in the winter.

Useful Contacts

SOS Emergency – 112

SOS forests – 117

Anti poisoning information - (+351) 217 950 143

GNR Police Oleiros – (+351) 272 682 311

ADXTUR - Rede Aldeias do Xisto - (+351) 275 647 700

Tips and hints

The valley of the Zêzere dazzles with its imposing landscape and the river that runs a sinuous and surprisingly deep course created by the system of meanders . The meanders of the river Zêzere are one of the sites of the Natural Park of the Tejo, classified by UNESCO, and make this one of the most beautiful river valleys in Portugal. The surrounding region is full of ecological interest.

The woods of Álvaro have always been of exceptional value, in particular as a sample of the indigenous vegetation that grows here spontaneously. On the surrounding steep slopes there is a monoculture of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). It is also worth exploring the myriad of rural trails, you are guaranteed to stumble on areas of hidden paradise at the end of deep ravines. Land use shows that the olive has always played an important role in agriculture here, and the olive tree (Olea europea) plays a significant role in the local landscape.

This is one of the white villages of the network of Schist villages, most the houses are plastered and painted. This is proof that the village was once a noble “town” and the capital of the county. This status is a legacy of the passage of Visigoths and Romans and due to the fact it was an important base for the Order of Malta. The Romans were responsible for building one of the bridges that still links the two sides of the stream of Alvélos today. This parish is also marked by the existence of the “pilgrimage route to Santiago” and by the exceptional religious relics. The Chapel of Misericórdia is classified as property of County Value.

Gastronomy

- Fish soup

- Fried river fish (Achigã)

- Roast kid

- Maranhos

- Evergreen strawberry tree brandy

- Honey cake

- Wine callum

Start

Near the mother church of S. Tiago. 39º 58' 33'' N 7º 57' 57'' W (367 m)

Coordinates:

39.975826, -7.965921

DMS

39°58'33.0"N 7°57'57.3"W

UTM

29S 588300 4425586

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Destination

Near the mother church of S. Tiago. 39º 58' 33'' N 7º 57' 57'' W

Turn-by-turn directions

Staring at the viewpoint, next to the parish church of Álvaro (Church of S. Tiago), this schist trail will take us across the steep slopes near the village and passes via Longra. Walking through the streets of Álvaro we head first towards the Chapel of Sto. António, but just before reachin it we turn to the Chapel of S. Sebastião. We then follow the valley of Ribeira de Alvelos, surrounded by century old olive trees. When we reach the stream we can see a lovely Roman bridge that is still the main crossing point for the inhabitants of Álvaro when they are going to their fields. Right in front it is still possible to make out a series of water mills in ruins next to the stream. The path carries on, through pine and eucalyptus trees, as well as a few cork oak and oak trees, and climbs towards Longra, passing the ruins of the Chapel of S. Pedro. Before reaching Longra we will find the Chapel of Sto. António, another of the many chapels in this area. We will take the village’s main street and then start descending towards Álvaro. The descent is at times twisty, but the view over the Schist village is fantastic with the river Zêzere as a backdrop. Just before reaching Álvaro we will again cross the stream of Alvelos, this time at the spot where formerly clothes were washed and baths taken.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Coordinates

39.975826, -7.965921

DMS

39°58'33.0"N 7°57'57.3"W

UTM

29S 588300 4425586

w3w

///blessings.iceman.confer

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Distance

7.3 km

Duration

2:30 h

Ascent

332 m

Descent

333 m

Highest point

630 m

Lowest point

327 m

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