The megalithic necropolis of Chão Redondo is located in the parish of Talhadas. It comprises Dolmen 1 and Dolmen 2; these megalithic monuments are prehistoric tombs, about 5,000 years old. Alongside these burial sites, other archaeological and historical themes, granite formations and nature observation also feature.

Megalithic tombs and their architectural forms

Another site is Anta da Capela dos Mouros in Arcas, a village belonging to the parish of Talhadas. It is a small dolmen with a rectangular chamber. Its specific dimensions include a 2.10-metre-long corridor and eight support stones. The chamber shape, corridor length and number of support stones indicate different features of the site. Together with the two dolmens at Chão Redondo, they show what visitors can focus on when exploring these prehistoric monuments: the burial sites themselves and the forms and structural elements described.

The age given for the megalithic monuments of Chão Redondo is approximate: they are about 5,000 years old. This places them in a different period from the Troço Via Romana da Ereira section. This section formed part of the route connecting Viseu with the Olisipo–Bracara Augusta road, that is, the Lisbon–Braga route. Prehistoric tombs and a historic road connection thus stand alongside one another as distinct aspects of the cultural heritage.

Granite and views

The granite formations and the view are the main features of Monte Gralheiro. The mountain consists of three distinct granite monoliths and is a natural viewpoint. From there, the view takes in the parish, the Serra das Talhadas and part of the Serra do Caramulo. The three monoliths represent a striking geological formation, while the viewpoint also offers views of the surrounding landscape.

In the southern part of the area, beyond the village of Talhadas, lies the Serra das Talhadas, an offshoot of the Caramulo range. Its highest point reaches 753 metres. This is a different landscape reference point from Monte Gralheiro: here, the highest point of a mountain range is the focus, while there, it is the combination of three granite monoliths and a natural viewpoint. If you are comparing landscape features, these details offer two specific perspectives, although the two places are not the same type of location.

Riverside scenery and birdwatching

Parque do Cortez is a riverside area. Woodland and riverside bird species can be observed in the park. Examples include long-tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus), grey wagtails (Motacilla cinerea) and white wagtails (Motacilla alba). Birdwatching here therefore covers species from both habitat groups, woodland and riverside, rather than focusing on just one bird species.

At Parque do Cortez, the Rio Alfusqueiro forms a long, deep stretch of water. This is due to a dam located immediately downstream. The description of the watercourse is part of the park’s scenery and is distinct from birdwatching as a separate nature theme. This gives you a clear contrast when choosing what to focus on: at Chão Redondo and Arcas, the focus is on prehistoric burial monuments and their architectural forms; at Monte Gralheiro, on granite and views; and at Parque do Cortez, on the riverside, river and bird species.

Discover more destinations: Sever Do Vouga, Cedrim.

Go to the main travel overview: Sever Do Vouga.