Piódão - a charming village made of schist and shale

This village is known as the "Nativity Scene" village (because of its shape it looks like the setting for a Catholic Nativity Scene for Christmas). You can find this village at quite a high altitude in the municipality of Arganil, to the east from the city of Coimbra. You will feel as you leave the modern world behind as you go further higher up the dwindling roads (yes, dwindling, do not be scared of heights or mountain side roads if you drive here by yourself).

If you love stone cottages then this is definitely an area you should explore. It is also suitable for people who love hiking, they have many different hiking routes. For those who like going for a swim, they actually have a fluvial pool here in the village, just be prepared for the cool mountain water temperature. You can see the precious water running through small channels in the village itself further downhill. The sound of water clucking is very soothing.

The houses are made with the local materials of schist and shale stones, even the roofs can be using the stones as tiles which makes for awesome pictures. Most houses have blue painted doors and window frames whilst a few buildings, like the lovely main church, are painted white and blue. This is a place where the locals have thought about what makes them special and instead of modernising everything into contemporary architectural styles they go all in, preserving what makes them unique. I really must compliment them on doing a great job, if more villages could co-operate instead of destroying their cultural heritage, we would live in a much more interesting world. 

Spending a day here is such an opportunity to slow down, enjoy how the people basically live on a mountain side where they fit hand in hand with nature, instead of working against it. The village is full of beautiful flowers and has some small shops, a museum and a couple of restaurants. It doesn't feel as a tourist trap since it is the locals who are living and working here. Bring a towel and bathing suits so you can enjoy a refreshing dip on a sunny day. If it's cold/cloudy maybe skip the dip so as to avoid pneumonia and go for a long walk instead around the village area. The higher you go, the more amazing the view gets of the river valley. 

When you visit one of the local food places, what should you be ordering? One of the absolute most famous dishes of this region is the "Chanfana". Goat or sheep stew.... yes, you read that right, goat or sheep, not lamb or kid. And it is honestly one of my all time favourite dishes in the whole world if it is well made. People used to be so poor in these inland mountainous regions that full grown goats or sheep where used quite often for cooking. How do you tenderise that kind of meat? You cook it for many, many hours over the fire, in a huge pot/clay recipient. You add lot's of condiments and herbs but the most important is the red wine. The red wine in combination with the slow cooking method will just make that goat melt apart in your mouth after being served. Wine really is a magical beverage! Usually they add some delicious stewed potatoes together with the meat to go with. So if you are a brave foodie and eat meat, do try the Chanfana in this part of Portugal!

Most people who live here work with agriculture, goat/sheep herding, apiculture, renewable energy sources such as wind power and tourism.

Many people think this is the loveliest village in Portugal, I'd say it certainly is included in my top 10 favourite Portuguese villages. Whether you come here during winter time with loads of snow, or for summer time to enjoy the lushness of nature and the blossoming flowers you will definitely feel that you are far away from everything modern, in the best of ways. We all deserve to be able to de-stress once in a while.

If you are in this region do not miss to visit the town of Arganil, which the municipality is named after, and the super beautiful bathing spot called Foz d'Égua closeby. You can also stay in Coimbra and come over here during the day without any stress.


https://www.cm-arganil.pt/visitar/o-que-visitar/piodao/