Jordões can be explored through two distinct themes: routes that place the village along a particular trail, and fountains where water and local history come together. The Grande Rota de Alvaiázere (GR35) and the Fonte do Paço provide concrete points of reference; the Fonte dos Cavaleiros adds a historical interpretation. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Jordões, you can plan your stay around whether you are more interested in the route, the fountains or the historical context.

Routes and Landscape

The GR35 passes through Jordões on the way back towards Barqueiro. This places Jordões on a specific route. Another route reference is the Rota dos Cântaros e das Rodilhas, which leads into the Sicó-Alvaiázere Natura 2000 site, designated as a Site of Community Importance. These two references point to different things: the GR35 links Jordões with the return route towards Barqueiro, while the Rota dos Cântaros e das Rodilhas links it with a designated area. The landscape of Vale Cipote includes a stream with crystal-clear water. This adds a specific watercourse to the landscape context, alongside the designation of the area.

Basket weaving and the Segeiro craft are also mentioned among the local crafts associated with the Rota dos Cântaros e das Rodilhas. They add a focus on handicrafts to the cultural picture, without being descriptions of a route or fountain themselves.

Fountains and Historical Connections

The Fonte do Paço comprises two fountains and a small spring. Water emerges from the spring between the stones; in the past, it was collected for the water supply. The spring’s outflow and the former collection of its water show that water plays a role here both as a visible feature of the site and as part of its history of water supply. The Fonte do Paço was also formerly associated with the Templar commandery.

The origins of the Fonte dos Cavaleiros are said to be connected with the Knights Templar or the Order of Christ. The Fonte do Paço, by contrast, was formerly associated with the Templar commandery. These are different points of reference for a cultural and historical perspective: a possible origin for the Fonte dos Cavaleiros, and a former connection for the Fonte do Paço.

What the Route Name Tells Us

The name Rota dos Cântaros e das Rodilhas refers to clay jugs used to fetch water and to twisted fabric rings on which the jugs were carried on the head. The terms connect the vessel with the carrying aid: the clay jug was used to fetch water, while the rodilha served as a cushion when carrying it on the head. The name is therefore explained by a specific practice, not just used as the name of a route. Compared with the fountains and spring, the focus here is on fetching and carrying water. This offers two different ways to explore the theme of water: the water source itself and the objects used to transport water.

For the broader travel overview: Pussos.