Alcongosta’s landscape is shaped by cherry orchards, as well as chestnut and oak forests covering the Serra da Gardunha. At the same time, Casa da Cereja makes cherries the subject of a permanent exhibition, while traditional basket weaving and old paths offer further traces of the area’s culture. Alcongosta’s themes thus range from landscape and crafts to the history of its paths and architecture. By choosing among these themes, visitors can tailor their stay to their own interests rather than making a single attraction the sole reason for their trip. The difference between seeing cherries in the landscape and learning about them at Casa da Cereja is particularly clear.

Cherries in the Exhibition and Landscape

Casa da Cereja is housed in Alcongosta’s former primary school and is dedicated to Cereja do Fundão. Its permanent exhibition explores the cherry tree, its blossom and fruit, introduces different cherry varieties and explains how cherries were introduced to Portugal. It thus combines knowledge of trees and fruit with a cultural history theme. Together with the cherry orchards, it offers an understanding of cherries both as part of the landscape and as a subject of exhibitions and history.

Crafts, the History of Paths and Architecture

Another cultural trace is Alcongosta’s traditional basket weaving, which used chestnut wood from the chestnut forests of the Serra da Gardunha. This links the traditional craft of weaving with a raw material from the region’s vegetation; chestnut wood is also associated with the trees that shape the landscape. In Alcongosta, visitors can also walk along a section of an old Roman road, which is thought to have served as a connection between the northern and southern parts of the Serra da Gardunha. The Igreja Matriz de Alcongosta, also known as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Anunciação, is a building in the classical Baroque style. Crafts, the history of paths and church architecture each add a different cultural dimension.

Forests and Hiking Trails

Casa do Guarda de Alcongosta lies on the northern slope of the Serra da Gardunha. The surrounding natural vegetation is shaped by chestnut trees and mixed forests of English oaks and Pyrenean oaks. This is a different landscape from Alcongosta’s cherry orchards: here, trees and woodland communities take centre stage, rather than fruit cultivation. Visitors exploring the area’s natural features can thus distinguish between orchards and wooded slopes.

The PR7 – Rota da Cereja circular trail can be started at the entrance to Alcongosta or at Casa da Floresta. Its return route follows old paths near the old Roman road; these paths are surrounded by an impressive forest of pines, Douglas firs and sequoias. The hike also descends to the Ribeira do Alcambar and passes through extensive cherry orchards. The PR7 thus connects several landscape features: forest, watercourse and cultivated land. The two stated starting points offer a specific choice of where to begin. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Silvares, Alpedrinha, Donas, Pêro Viseu, Salgueiro, Aldeia de Joanes, Valverde, Aldeia Nova Do Cabo

For the main travel overview: Fundão.