Discover Sernancelhe

Sernancelhe combines impressive landscapes with a remarkable density of cultural and everyday experiences. The town lies between the Serra da Lapa and Serra da Zebreira mountain ranges and on the Távora River. This results in a varied mix for planning your trip: you can explore historic buildings, spend time by the water, use a short Ecovia route and discover regional specialities.

Culture between the pillory and the sanctuary

A prominent cultural landmark is the Pelourinho de Sernancelhe. The monument, in the Manueline style, bears the year 1554 and is classified as an IIP – Imóvel de Interesse Público, meaning a property of public interest. Anyone interested in Portuguese architectural history will find here a tangible detail through which the town’s historical development can be traced.

The Solar dos Carvalhos also offers an insight into the region’s past. The building was erected in the second half of the 18th century by Manuel António Correia de Carvalho and classified as a property of public interest in 2016. Its private chapel contains a gilded wooden altarpiece. Together with the pillory, the solar is suitable for a cultural part of your trip without requiring you to spend the entire day sightseeing.

The Santuário da Senhora da Lapa features Baroque and Philippine architectural influences; construction was completed in 1635. Inside, visitors can admire the altars of the Crucifixion and the Death of Saint Joseph. 15 August is a particularly special time: the annual feast of Senhora da Lapa takes place then, and thousands of pilgrims continue to attend.

Water, paths and landscapes

Those who want to combine nature and activity when planning their trip can consider the Praia Fluvial de Vila da Ponte. The water area is part of the Albufeira do Vilar and the Centro de Desportos Náuticos de Vila da Ponte. Motorised and non-motorised watercraft are permitted there, with the exception of motorboats such as jet skis. These include pedal boats, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, windsurfing and kitesurfing. The designated areas must be observed.

For a manageable bout of exercise, the 3 km-long Ecovia is a good option. It runs between Caminho da Cheira and the footbridge over the Ribeira de Ferreirim and passes through the built-up area of Vila da Ponte. This allows you to plan a shorter route as a separate excursion during the day, while the water area offers a completely different focus.

Chestnuts and regional cuisine

Centuries of connection with sweet chestnuts have shaped the landscape of Sernancelhe’s villages and slopes. Chestnuts also appear in the cuisine in several forms: they are boiled, roasted and prepared as pudding or jam. The region’s gastronomic specialities also include Torresmos, carne estremeada, fried pork steaks and fried liver with boiled potatoes. Those looking for a holiday apartment can therefore consider whether culture, water activities or regional cuisine should be the focus of their trip.

Choose accommodation that suits your own travel rhythm

When looking for a holiday apartment in Sernancelhe, it helps to first establish your preferred daily rhythm. A cultural programme can include the pillory, the Solar dos Carvalhos and the Santuário da Senhora da Lapa. Those who prefer to alternate between different experiences can include the Ecovia, the Praia Fluvial de Vila da Ponte and culinary discoveries. The landscape between Serra da Lapa, Serra da Zebreira and the Távora provides the geographical setting for the trip.

For further orientation, you can also visit the pages on Sarzeda and Peva. For additional information locally, the Sernancelhe tourist office is located at the Loja Interativa de Turismo on Avenida Dr. Oliveira Serrão, 3640-420 Sernancelhe.

For the higher-level travel overview: Viseu.

Further destinations

Other places within the same destination:

Valença Do Douro, Tarouca, Guardão, São Pedro Do Sul, Lamego, Cadaval.