On the northern slope of Colcurinho, in the Serra do Açor and at an altitude of about 500 metres, lies Aldeia das Dez. The village overlooks the Rio Alvôco, which is connected to the village and rises in the Serra da Estrela. Granite architecture, historic buildings and trails give the trip different points of focus: you can explore the village through its architectural history or focus on hiking trails and their specific starting and finishing points.

Landscape and trails around Aldeia das Dez

The Subida Épica starts at Ponte das Três Entradas and ends beside the chapel on the summit of Colcurinho. This makes the bridge’s three entrances and the chapel two clearly named landmarks along the route. Ponte das Três Entradas is considered unique in Portugal because it has three entrances. The bridge with its three entrances marks the start; the destination is beside the chapel on the summit of Colcurinho.

Two Caminhos do Xisto can also be distinguished by their starting points. The PR1 OHP – Caminho do Xisto Aldeia das Dez – Pelas Várzeas do Alvoco starts and ends at Largo Alfredo Duarte; it is a circular route. The PR3 OHP – Caminho do Xisto da Aldeia das Dez – Nos Passos do Ermitão also starts at this square, which is identified here as its starting point. Information boards for the PR1, PR2 and PR3 OHP trails are located at Largo Alfredo Duarte. Those planning a hike will find information there on the three named routes, while the descriptions of PR1 and PR3 indicate different types of routes.

A section of a Roman road connecting Aldeia das Dez with Avô lies three kilometres from the village, at Caminho das Tapadas in the Areal. Information boards about Aldeia das Dez are located at Casa do S; these are another landmark in the village.

Architecture and religious history

Aldeia das Dez is an Aldeias do Xisto village built predominantly from granite. Casa do S, also known as Casa da Voluta, features a different architectural detail: the building is considered an example of 17th-century vernacular architecture and has two storeys of irregular masonry. The Igreja Matriz de Aldeia das Dez dates from the 18th century. Together, these two buildings reflect different historical periods and architectural styles, without one standing in for the other.

The Santuário de Nossa Senhora das Preces is located in Vale de Maceira, within the Freguesia de Aldeia das Dez. The complex includes a Baroque church and twelve devotional chapels. Their sculptural groups depict scenes from the life of Christ. The number of chapels and their sculptural content make the sanctuary a specific destination for travellers who want to focus their explorations on religious art and architecture.

Smaller buildings also contribute to the village’s character: Aldeia das Dez has four fountains. Fonte do Povo was built in 1892. Its tiles bear poems by Dr. Vasco Campos, linking the fountain’s design with literature. These details are worth noticing as a distinct facet of the local heritage, alongside the larger churches and religious buildings.

Local sweets and regional products

Traditional sweets from Aldeia das Dez include locally made coscoréis and cavacas. Across the wider Serra do Açor region, medronho is used to make various products, including preserves, cakes, aguardente, liqueur and vinegar. The village’s sweets and the various medronho products offer two different ways to explore the area’s food culture; the products listed include sweets, drinks and vinegar.

Getting there and finding your way around

For journeys from the north, east and west, the road connection is via the EN 230 and the junctions at Venda de Galizes and Ponte das Três Entradas. The route towards Vila Cova do Alva and Arganil follows the EN 342; the EN 513 leads towards Pomares. These road names help you plan your approach according to your direction of travel. For finding your way around the village, the two information-board locations are also useful: Casa do S, with information about Aldeia das Dez, and Largo Alfredo Duarte, with boards about the hiking trails.

Discover more destinations: Tentúgal, Cerdeira, Ceira, Chã De Alvares, Ameal, Caldas Da Felgueira, Secarias, Tapéus.

For the overview of the wider region: Coimbra.