River Branches - Vale Serrão Rest Area > Foz da Sertã Rest Area - GRZ on Foot: Stage 1

Safety information

Take the necessary precautions for high temperatures in summer and slippery terrain in the winter. The levels of difficulty and times given are only indicative. They were calculated on a physical effort basis and do not include stops. Make your estimate by analising the technical data of path to be taken.

Contact information

SOS Emergency: 112

SOS Forest: 117

Ferreira do Zêzere Municipal Council: (+351) 249 360 150, geral@cm-ferreiradozezere.pt 

Tips, hints and links

This place took on major importance at the end of the 19th century when a bridge was built, in 1895. It was inaugurated by Fontes Pereira de Melo and became the only road link between Ferreira do Zêzere and Serta municipalities. The entire Beira Baixa and Ribatejo regions benefit from this connection. During that time, the “new” bridge with metal features also became a tourist attraction and the place of choice for picnics, fishing and river trips on the now typical Abrangel boat by wealthy families.

When the lagoon of the Castelo de Bode dam was filled in 1951, the bridge was submerged to a depth of about 15 metres. The current Vale da Ursa bridge was built to replace it. It should also be noted that during the Middle Ages, as there was no pedestrian crossing on this part of the Zêzere, the only way to go from Sertã to Ferreira do Zêzere was by a barge, in Dornes. Later, in the 19th century, there was another barge in Vale da Ursa. 

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