Fountains, a megalithic complex and a walking route offer different ways to discover Pussos and its history. Pussos received a town charter in 1514; the burials at Anta 2 of the Complexo Megalítico do Rego da Murta date back to the Chalcolithic. The area also has fountains with distinctive architectural and historical features. Visitors weighing up culture and walking for their stay can choose between archaeological history, fountain architecture and the Rota dos Cântaros e das Rodilhas.

Fountains and historical traces

On 15 June 1514, Pussos received a town charter from King Manuel I of Portugal. A stone lintel at Fonte da Sandoeira bears the year 1733. Fonte de Pussos was formerly also known as “Fonte do Cão de Água”. The fountain and fountain-house ensemble at Fonte dos Cavaleiros was remodelled in 1964. Its walls, shaped like benches, invite visitors to linger and socialise. Fonte dos Cavaleiros has traditionally been associated with the Knights Templar or the Order of Christ. The site of Fonte do Paço was also once associated with a Templar commandery. Another architectural landmark is the Igreja Paroquial de São Pedro do Rego da Murta, built in the 18th century.

Anta 2 and the megalithic complex

The Complexo Megalítico do Rego da Murta comprises thirteen monuments. Anta 2 consists of a polygonal chamber and a slightly elongated corridor that ends in a small atrium. The chamber is therefore polygonal, while the corridor forms a separate, slightly elongated structural element. The use of the anta also spans several periods: it has two phases of occupation. The secondary burials date from the Middle to Late Chalcolithic, between 2500 and 2000 BC. Anthropological studies identified more than fifty people buried there. At Anta 2, the structure and burial history can thus be considered alongside the thirteen monuments that make up the complex as a whole.

Walking route and landscape

The Rota dos Cântaros e das Rodilhas runs north along the Ribeira de Vale Cipote, also known as the Ribeira de Pussos. Almost the entire route lies within the Sicó-Alvaiázere Site of Community Importance. In Pussos, it offers a detour to the church of Santo Estêvão, linking the walking route with a specific cultural destination. The landscape of Pussos São Pedro also includes green areas that provide habitat or passage for red-legged partridges, rabbits, hares, wild boar and foxes. The wildlife adds a perspective on the landscape to the historical and archaeological themes.

An annual festival date

Pussos holds the Festa Sagrada in honour of its patron saint, Santo Estêvão, every year on the first Sunday in August. Visitors wishing to plan their trip around the festival can note this recurring date and check the event details for their chosen year.

Discover more destinations: Alvaiázere, Pelmá.

Go to the main travel overview: Alvaiázere.