Discovering
Castro Daire
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Discovering Castro Daire
Project carried out by teachers and pupils of Escola Secundária de Castro Daire
involved in the Comenius Project: “Let’s get to know each other through photography”
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Contents
Overview...........................................................................................................................5
Location.............................................................................................................................6
Parishes..............................................................................................................................7
Monuments........................................................................................................................8
Places of interest..............................................................................................................12
Municipal Library and Cultural Centre...................................................................12
Mões............................................................................................................................13
Carvalhal thermal spa..................................................................................................14
Moura Morta ...............................................................................................................15
Ermida.........................................................................................................................16
Water mills in Rossão..................................................................................................17
River Paiva..................................................................................................................18
Handicraft........................................................................................................................19
Nature runs free in Castro Daire......................................................................................20
Gastronomy.....................................................................................................................21
Where to eat ................................................................................................................21
Places to stay...................................................................................................................23
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Overview
• Country……………………………. Portugal
• Region …………………………… Center
• Subregion ………………………… Dão-Lafões
• District …………………………. Viseu
• Mayor………………………………Fernando Carneiro
• Total area………………………………... 379.1 Km2
• Municipal Holiday………………… June 29th
• Parishes……………………………. 22
• Population………………………… 16.846 (2004)
• Population Density……………….. 44/Km2
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Location
Castro Daire is a small town in the central part of Portugal set high up between Viseu
and Lamego, clinging to a slope of the Montemuro Mountain. Its total area is 379.1 km² and
there are about 16,846 inhabitants.
The name Castro Daire comes from an old fort that was on the highest part of this place.
The municipality is composed of twenty-two parishes and is located in the district of
Viseu.
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Parishes
Almofala
Alva
Cabril
Castro Daire
Cujó
Ermida
Ester
Gafanhão
Gosende
Mamouros
Mezio
Mões
Moledo
Monteiras
Moura Morta
Parada de Ester
Pepim
Picão
Pinheiro
Reriz
Ribolhos
São Joaninho
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Monuments
Church of Castro Daire
Chapel of “Calvário” Castro Daire has one of the most
The date of construction of this chapel is interesting churches in Portugal. It began
unknown. However, it is known due to to be built in the late XVII, early XVIII
historical documents that the Chapel of century and the dominating artistic
“Calvário” has existed in the XVI styles are the Baroque and the Rococo.
century, hence, it is probably one of the
The main facade of the church
oldest chapels in this town.
Over the years this place remained and the tower bell were built in
strongly connected to water. Here you the Neo-classical style (XIX
can find several fountains and a green century).
park where you will be able to enjoy one
of the most beautiful views over the
town and the Montemuro Mountain.
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Pillory in Castro Daire – place of
public punishment
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“Casa da Cerca” - built in 1776 by D. Manuel de Vasconcelos Pereira, Bishop of Lamego, as his
residence. It is situated next to the current public garden of Castro Daire.
Part of it is a museum where you can admire a collection of objects related to the ethnography of the
region ( cycle of flax and wool, agricultural implements, basketry and pottery), costumes and
archaeology.
Carrancas’s Square and St. Barbara’s
Chapel - built in 1776 by D. Manuel de
Vasconcelos Pereira
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“Pedrinha” Bridge – Roman bridge over the River Paiva
It was used during the Roman period as a garrison. Recent
discoveries state that this bridge was built during the
governorship of Julius Caesar.
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Places of interest
Municipal Library and Cultural Centre
It is a building of modern style where you can attend different cultural events. The lawn
outside invites you to rest and relax after a hard day.
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Mões
At about ten kilometers from Castro Daire, it is worth admiring Mões with its ancient noble houses
and medieval fair. Held annually in June or July this event relives the Middle Ages with
arts and crafts, food, games, and more. It is like an alive history lesson which attracts
locals and visitors from all over the country to take part in a journey to a time of kings,
queens and knights in shining armour. Come and spend a special day with your family.
mansions in Mões
announcement of the
medieval fair
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Carvalhal thermal spa
The Carvalhal thermal spa at the parish of Mamouros, offers good services to visitors.
Its waters are used to treat different kinds of health problems such as dermatological
diseases and many others. It is equipped with a modern bathhouse, pool, tennis court
and picnic area. Accommodation is possible in a hotel, hostel or on the camping park.
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Moura Morta
Cama da Moura - Moorish Bed
Story about the Moorish Bed:
Little is known about this monument but
what the legend says is that she slept in
here.
A Roman Bridge
This church is more than 300 years old. It is the place
where Christians meet to do their prayers.
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Ermida
On the beautiful valley of the river Paiva you can find a Romanesque church
(“Ermida”) from the end of the 12th century (1173) located on the western slope of the
Montemuro mountain at about six kilometres from Castro Daire. It is also known as the
Temple of Acronyms because of the many symbols carved on the stones that make up
this monument. It is thought that these symbols are trademarks of the craftsmen
working on the building of the temple, serving as a method of controlling the work of
each mason. Since 1916 this church is considered a national monument and it is worth
to pay a visit.
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side door front door
Water mills in Rossão
They were built over 100 years ago in the village of Rossão on the slopes of the
Montemuro Mountain and used by people of the village for the processing of corn and
rye flour, which were fundamental in their diet.
Each family had only a day for their use which was an inherited right. Although less
frequently this custom still persists in some families.
The material used in the construction of these mills is mainly granite which can be
found abundantly in the region.
Water falls through the cube and moves the wheels that grind the grain.
Exterior view Bucolic landcape invites to a visit
Door and rotation of the mill
Watercourse which supplies the mill
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River Paiva
This river has been considered the
less polluted river in Europe. It is a habitat
for many species of animals, such as trout,
dace and eel.
Not only is it used as habitat, but also
as a way of spending some time with
extreme sports.
The majority of local people and other
visitors participate in some sports such as
angling and rafting.
The river Paiva is still considered vital because it provides electric power to villages that are located
around but natural causes and human action have been threatening the ecosystem.
The invasion of acacias and monocultural stands of pine and eucalyptus and illegal construction, the
implementation of hydroelectric mining, deployment of poultry or fish farms and excessive
watering carrying chemicals are putting in danger the flora and fauna of the river.
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Handicraft
The most famous handicraft shop is in Mezio, a village belonging to Castro Daire.
Examples of Castro Daire’s handicraft
Wicker baskets
Wicker baskets are made from the most abundant material in the region, the wicker.
Theses baskets can be used in agriculture for transporting products and in the grape
gathering, etc.
Clogs
Clogs are made from leather and alder. It is excellent footwear for the few shepherds
and farmers that still work in the fields.
Weaving
In weaving are used materials like wool and linen to weave, for examples scarves,
aprons, towels, sheets, pillows, etc.
Straw hats
The straw hat is quite often used, either to protect from the sun or from the rain. It’s
made from the strongest rye’s stalks.
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Nature runs free in Castro Daire
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Gastronomy
There are a lot of delicious dishes that you can try while you are in Castro Daire. We
recommend to you:
- Roasted young goat
- Veal “Arouquesa”
- Rice with beans and smoked pork sausage
- Pickled trout from the river Paiva
- Smoked pork sausages
- Blood sausage
- Ham
- Cornbread
- A type of slightly sweet cake called “Bolo Podre”
- Sweet noodles
- Honey
Where to eat
In and around Castro Daire a lot of restaurants will delight you with tasty food and the
good news is that all of them offer affordable pricing. Here is a list of the restaurants in
the town:
Adega Regional Estava Escrito O Coreto
Rua Maria Alcina, Bl.B Av. Francisco Sá Av. 5 de Outubro, nº 15
3600-199 Castro Carneiro, Loja 5 3600- 126 Castro
Daire 3600-180 Castro Daire
Telf: (+351) 232 315 Daire Telf: (+351) 232 382
303 Telm: (+351) 936 441 120
537 | 969 745 521
Brasília O Mirante
Rua Dr. Pio Figueiredo, Fim-de-Século Rua Inocêncio S Cruz,4
18 Bairro da Seara- Lote 1 3600 – 189 Castro
3600-214 Castro Daire – Cave Daire
3600 Castro Daire Telf: (+351) 232 382
Telf: (+351) 232 382 Telf: (+351) 232 382 966
198 718
O Músico
Churrasqueira Riba Marisqueira Celso Av. Gen. Humberto
Paiva Av. General Humberto Delgado, Ed. S.
Rua Clemente da Costa, Delgado Macário, 3ºD
Lote 29 3600 - 136 Castro 3600-136 Castro
3600 – 159 Castro Daire Daire
Daire Telf: (+351) 232 388 Telf: (+351) 232 382
Telf: (+351) 232 315 119 015
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O Terminal Francisco Sá Carneiro Telf: (+351) 232 386
Av. Gen. Humberto 3600 – 180 Castro 648
Delgado Daire
3600 – 136 Castro Telf: (+351) 232 381 Vitória
Daire 169 Av. General Humberto
Telf: (+351) 232 382 Delgado
531 Pizzaria Dolce & Bella 3600 – 136 Castro
Daire
O Tosco Av. António Serrado, Telf: (+351) 232 382
Av. Dr. Francisco Sá Bl.5 N.º 40 960
Carneiro 3600-136 Castro
3600 - 180 Castro Daire Carvalha
Daire Telf: (+351) 232 382 Estrada Nacional 2 –
Telf: (+351) 232 382 026 Braços de Cá
693 3600 – 105 Castro
Pizzaria Rocha Daire
Pastelaria/Snack-Bar Av. António Serrado, Telf: (+351) 232 381
Forno da Serra Bl.7 203
Av. 5 de Outubro 3600-136 Castro
3600-126 Castro Daire Carneiro
Daire Telf: (+351) 232 381 Vila Pouca
Telf: (+351) 232 388 382 3600 – 292 Castro
055 Daire
Paris Telf: (+351) 232 373
Pastelaria/Snack Bar Av. 5 de Outubro 472
O Trompete 3600-126 Castro
Av. da Misericórdia Daire Parque
3600 - 202 Castro Telf: (+351) 232 382 Parque com Água –
Daire 563 Estr. Nac. 2 - Vila
Telf: (+351) 232 315 Pouca
084 Royal 3600-292 Castro
Rua Padre Américo n.º7 Daire
Pizzaria Arado 3600-132 Castro Telf: (+351) 232 373
Ed. Linhares – Av. Dr. Daire 436
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Places to stay
Montemuro Hotel
Hotel Montemuro
Termas do Carvalhal
Tel.: (+351) 232 381 154
Fax: (+351) 232 381 112
www.montemuro.com
Camping “Termas do Carvalhal”
Parque de Campismo das Termas do Carvalhal
Município de Castro Daire
Termas do Carvalhal
Telm.: (+351) 935 463 323
Tel.: (+351) 232 382 342
Fax: (+351) 232 315 882
Residencial Vieira
Estrada Nacional n.º 2
Termas do Carvalhal
Tel.: (+351) 232 382 395
Residencial Restaurante
Carvalha
Estrada Nacional N.º 2
Braços de Cá
3600-105 Castro Daire
N.º de Quartos: 15 (6 individuais)
Tel.: (+351) 232 381 203
Residencial Vitória
Avenida General Humberto Delgado
3600 Castro Daire
N.º de Quartos: 7
Tel.: (+351) 232 382 960
Residencial Parque
Parque com Água
Vila Pouca
3600-292 Castro Daire
N.º de Quartos – 15
Telf.: 232 373 436
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