Ten watermills and a Via Sacra with preserved crosses give Mansores a distinctive cultural heritage. At the same time, the landscape around the village can be explored through its mountain ranges, waterways and trails. Visitors looking to combine nature and culture during a stay in Mansores will find both in a variety of forms.
Levadas, mills and chapels along the PR11
The PR11 Trilho das Levadas runs through Mansores and passes the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Rosário. Along the trail are the ten watermills known as Moinhos da Barrosa, as well as another group of three mills near Mata. Casa da Terça is also a point of interest on the PR11. In the Agras area, the route also passes the Capela de Santo António. On this trail, you will encounter several religious and historic sites alongside the mills.
The Calvário of Mansores also tells the story of a larger Via Sacra: its seven crosses were joined by seven more along the path between Juncido and Estrada. The Via Sacra therefore comprised 14 crosses in total; three of the seven crosses along the path remain. The Calvário may date from the 18th century. The parish church of Mansores is also among the parish’s religious heritage sites.
Mountain ranges and water in the landscape
Serra Grande reaches 638 metres in Mansores, and CastĂŞlo reaches 608 metres. From the heights of Monte do CastĂŞlo, the Atlantic can be seen on clear days. This view comes with a condition: the sea is visible on clear days.
The Rio Arda and Ribeira de Vales, also known as Rio Mau, partly form the boundaries of Mansores. Reservoirs built along these waterways supplied water to small terraced farms via levadas. The channels and terraces illustrate how waterways and agriculture are connected in the local landscape.
Two different circular route options
The Rota da Terra ao Mar consists of two circular routes that start and finish at Parque da Serra da Vila in Mansores: one for mountain biking and one for trail running or hiking. Unlike the cultural heritage sites mentioned along the PR11, these routes focus on different ways of getting around. The Rota routes are not officially approved or signposted and may at times be impassable. Check local conditions before setting out.
Ponte AgrĂcola de Mansores and paths to the riverbank
In Avitureira, the Ponte AgrĂcola de Mansores is a wooden bridge connecting the Freguesia of Mansores with the Freguesia of Tropêço. Historically, it served the farming community and livestock as a crossing between the riverbanks. There are a few tables in the area by the bridge; despite being privately owned, the area is open to visitors.
There are two stated starting points for the walk to the bridge: from the paved car park, a path of about two kilometres leads to the bridge. From the dirt car park, it is about 400 metres on foot; this car park is accessible to light vehicles and motorcycles. Access information should be checked again locally in case of weather-related changes or changes to access to the site. This lets you distinguish between the two described walking distances when planning, without equating approximate distances with walking times.
A break at Parque de Merendas
Parque de Merendas de Mansores is in Serra da Vila and is a wooded picnic and recreation area. It has tables and toilets, and parking is available nearby. It adds a dedicated place to take a break to the trail and cultural heritage options. Those primarily looking for a cultural heritage route can follow the PR11’s sites; those who prefer a circular route can choose between the two types of route on the Rota da Terra ao Mar. Check the relevant conditions for the Rota before setting out.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Fermedo, Arouca, Espiunca, Burgo.
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