Vouzela

In this county, where nature is queen, you can not fail to know the Botanical Reserve of Cambarinho, where the ex-libris is the loendro, endemic species of the Iberian Peninsula; the Forest of Our Lady of the Castle or the Mata da Penoita, Ideal summer destinations for those who wish to spend a day in contact with nature in its purest state. In autumn, the floor turns into an authentic multicolor carpet, where mushrooms of various shapes and colors sprout.

Almost all the watercourses that exist in this territory flow into the two largest rivers that flow in the county: the Vouga and the Alfusqueiro. In addition to the ecological importance, the water of these rivers also serves to water the fields in a traditional way. This is testimony to the huge network of levadas that served to bring water to mills and watermills that proliferated on the banks of watercourses and that, even today, they direct the water to the lameiros.


Vouzela was a crossing point of several Roman roads, making it mandatory to pass through here the people who walked them. In the Middle Ages these roads were used by luncheons to conduct their business, the street of S. Frei Gil, commonly known as Rua da Ponte, was called "the fish road". With the evolution of the times, Vouzela was on the route of the courts of Lamego being a place of passage and mandatory stop on the trip to Lisbon, once again proof that its road network is fundamental from an early age in the history of the county.

Over the centuries, this flow of people and the existence of some illustrious families native to this land have still left traces of the greatness of other times, visible in the coats of arms of the manor houses of the entire historical area. Roman bridges and monuments example of Romanesque art, Baroque and rocócó are some examples of the vast architectural heritage that we can visit and know in the county. The symbols, coats of arms and heraldic elements dominate the buildings, in a manifesto of the historical importance of the municipality.


The Vouzela railway bridge, for example, dating from late 1913, is now one of the symbols of the village. Its functionality has given way to beauty, which is due not only to its framing, but also to its size and structure. This imposing building, an integral part of the Vouga Line, is now converted into a pedestrian zone, where you can enjoy walks or walks.

The fountains began to be built in Vouzela in the late 19th century, but their importance should not be underestimated. In addition to being relevant to the populations of the time, they are also slapbes on legends.

But the occupation of this territory dates back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the megalithic monuments existing in the county.


The gastronomy stands out the veal of Lafões and the dry soup, made in a clay pot and made from bread and water of the stew. But Vouzela also has craft beer production - the Mickas - and honey. To enjoy a snack or breakfast, you can taste the emblematic pastries of Vouzela, sweets of varied fair, as well as the folar de Vouzela, stuffed with a cream based on sugar and butter.