Sra da Guia combines a distinctive building with an elevated location and far-reaching views across the landscape. Caria lies in the Serra de Leomil; its local history is reflected in churches and chapels, as well as in archaeological traces. The Sra da Guia chapel was built in the 19th century. Its entrance is reached by an impressive outdoor staircase made of local granite.

Churches and Chapels in Caria

The Igreja Matriz de Caria dates from the 18th century. Columns divide its interior into three naves; it also features paintings by the artist Álvaro Nogueira. The church thus brings together a clearly structured interior and works by a named artist.

The Sra da Guia and the Capela Sr dos Aflitos also date from the 19th century, but have different features. According to tradition, the Sra da Guia stands on the rocks of Castelo Hill, where one of Caria’s castles is said to have once stood. The Capela Sr dos Aflitos contains several ex-votos. Its grounds also include a picnic area and barbecue facilities.

For hikers, another specific point of reference is the start of the Rota do Paiva: the trail begins at the Senhor dos Aflitos picnic area in the municipality of Caria.

Archaeological Traces from Different Periods

Chandeirinha was a fortified settlement during the Iron Age. The Tesouro de Caria dates from Roman times and consists of dozens of silver coins and a few pottery fragments discovered in 1961. A later period is represented by the Sepultura Da Joana: a well-preserved, human-shaped grave carved into the rock, dating from the Christian Middle Ages. These three examples represent different periods and forms of historical traces.

At Levada / Juncais, there is said to have been a settlement on a hill above the meadows, on the gentle slopes along the banks of the Rio Paiva. The cautious wording is important here: this is a suspected former settlement site. The Lagar dos Moiros has a different, clearly defined form. It consists of a lagareta with two basins, one rectangular and the other rounded.

Memorials and Festival Dates

A monument in Jardim do Adro symbolizes the Foral de Caria, granted in 1514 during the reign of D. Manuel I. The Monumento aos combatentes commemorates the men from the municipality of Caria who served Portugal on various fronts. The two monuments therefore refer to different aspects of local history: the Foral and the service of the municipality’s residents.

Festival dates are spread throughout the year. The Festas da Senhora da Guia take place on the second weekend of August in Caria; the Festas do Senhor dos Aflitos take place on the third Sunday in August at Senhor dos Aflitos. The Festas de Santa Luzia take place on 13 December in Caria. Two of the dates mentioned therefore fall in August and one in December. If a festival is a key part of your trip, check the date in advance.

Discover more destinations: Vilar, Alvite, Leomil, Paradinha, Moimenta Da Beira.

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