GR41 Grande Rota de Castelo de Vide

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This circular Long-Distance Path traverses a large territory of broad horizons and smooth contours, through ancient rural walled roads and paved roads. Begins at the Dam of Póvoa and, following to north, goes through the village of Póvoa e Meadas and extensive areas of well developed montados. In more open areas the grazing is present and we can enjoy the serenity of the cows and the irreverence of the goats. Over several kilometers we are yet about to know a vast megalithic heritage consisting of several dolmens and the impressive Menhir of Meada, but also of more recent remains, such as anthropomorphic graves excavated in the rock, stone-paved roads and an olive press of medieval times. We still have to overcome some watercourses through old granite stepping-stones. In the southern area of this GR we pass next to Castelo de Vide, intersecting and following sections of Short-Distance Paths (PR) set in here, and crossing several times the deactivated Cáceres Extension of the Eastern Railway Line. Continuing further to south we transpose the São Paulo ridge and we go down to more open and flattened areas where large fields of cereal are still been cultivated. Already near the end, the path inflects to north and follows the shores of Póvoa's Dam to the point where this path begins. NATURE: well developed montados of cork oak and holm oak and some groups of Pyrenean oak. Special mention for the waterfowl in the Póvoa Dam reservoir: great crested grebe, great cormorant, mallard and grey heron. HERITAGE: Castle of Castelo de Vide; Fort of S. Roque; Parish Church of Santa Maria da Devesa; Jewish quarter; Synagogue. HANDICRAFT: embroideries; talegos (bags embroidered with linen); art of working wrought iron, wood, cork and horn (miniatures); tiles; weaving. GASTRONOMY: sarapatel; cachafrito; molhinhos in tomato sauce; alhada of dogfish; liver, Castelo de Vide style; pezinhos of coriander; sausages. Sweets (boleima, broas of honey, enxovalhada – an Easter tradition -, cottage cheese cheesecake).