Venda Nova: Reservoir, Barroso and Via Romana XVII

Venda Nova combines an impressive waterscape with Roman history. The Barragem da Venda Nova is located on the Rio Rabagão in the Freguesia Venda Nova and is accessed via the Estrada Nacional 103. This gives the place a clear appeal for anyone wishing to centre their stay around a reservoir while also discovering traces of history.

Waterscape on the Rio Rabagão

The landscape around the Barragem da Venda Nova includes green surroundings, a calm, satin-blue-looking expanse of water and the surrounding highlands of Barroso. This combination defines the character of the place and makes the reservoir an important reference point for travel planning. Motorised boating is possible at the riverside bathing area at the reservoir of the Barragem da Venda Nova. Those who want to make water-based experiences the focus can specifically plan this area as a theme for their holiday days.

The approach via the Estrada Nacional 103 is a useful point of orientation when choosing a holiday location. When looking for a holiday apartment, consider which starting point best suits your personal travel plans: Would you mainly like to experience the landscape by the water, discover historical remains or combine both interests? This allows you to define the desired focus of your trip when searching for a holiday apartment.

A distinctive place between water and history

The Castro de Codeçoso/Castelo is associated with Venda Nova. The historic site is almost completely surrounded by the reservoir's waters, creating a distinctive contrast between the archaeological past and today's waterscape. During the Roman period, the Castro de Codeçoso served as a military prison and as the headquarters of the command of the imperial forces in the region. For travellers interested in history, this connection opens up a second perspective on Venda Nova: the reservoir is not merely a landscape, but also lies alongside a site with a military function in Roman times.

Another attraction is the Marco Miliário de Ponte do Arco. It is associated with Venda Nova as an attraction and is also a milestone of Via XVII. This makes it possible to view the site's Roman past through different remains without conflating the individual historical connections.

Via Romana XVII as a cultural reference

The MTR GR117 Via Romana XVII route runs through Venda Nova and is certified by the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal. For your travel planning, this connection with the route may be particularly interesting if you do not want to view nature and cultural experiences separately. The Roman milestone and the historic Castro point to different aspects of the same past, while the route incorporates the name Via Romana XVII as a reference for the site's cultural dimension.

Which accommodation location suits your trip?

When looking for a holiday apartment in Venda Nova, it is worth deciding in advance what daily rhythm you want. The reservoir, the waterscape and the possibility of motorised boating favour planning with a focus on the water. The Castro de Codeçoso/Castelo, the Marco Miliário de Ponte do Arco and the MTR GR117 Via Romana XVII route, on the other hand, add historical and cultural highlights. This allows families to decide together whether they would prefer to shape their days around landscapes, activities or history.

Further places for your travel planning

If you would like to compare other places in addition to Venda Nova, here is a compact selection: Montalegre, Paradela, Antigo de Arcos, Outeiro, Negrões, São Miguel De Vilar De Perdizes, Mourilhe and Pincães.

To the higher-level travel overview: Montalegre.