Discover the Region
Staying at a Refúgio do Centro is not just about booking a house — it is about discovering Central Portugal, at the pace of the Sicó Highlands and the Camino de Santiago.
The Sicó Limestone Massif
Places where time runs slower and the architecture tells a story. In the centre of Ansião, the pillory rests on eight stone balls — one for each parish of the municipality at the time — and the Padrão Seiscentista dates from 1686; further down, the 17th-century Ponte da Cal crosses the Nabão next to the Olhos d’Água, where the river rises. In the village of Granja, the Sicó Fossil House-Museum occupies a 17th-century building (visits by appointment at the Ansião tourist office). In Alvaiázere, the 16th-century parish church, the 1929 bandstand and the Municipal Museum; in Maçãs de Dona Maria, the Philippine stone cross and the old cemetery carved in Ançã stone.
On the Camino de Santiago
Ansião and Alvaiázere are crossed by the Camino Português Central — the main Way of St. James in Portugal, and the second most walked route in the world. Along the way, in Santiago da Guarda, stands the church dedicated to St. James the Greater and the Paço dos Vasconcelos, which holds a scallop shell inside; tradition says that Queen Saint Isabel herself walked this route. Both Casa Pregueira and Casa das Vendas sit directly on this path — a natural stopping point for those walking to Santiago de Compostela.
Flavours with a Name and an Origin
From the Chícharo bean of Alvaiázere to Rabaçal cheese, this is a region that still cooks with products that have a name, an origin and a season. It's worth seeking out the local table — it's another way of getting to know the land.
Discover Paladares da Aveleira, artisan cheese from the region →Stone Villages
Places where time runs slower and the architecture tells a story — the villages around Ansião and Alvaiázere hold on to a preserved Portugal, far from mass tourism.
The Dolmens of Rego da Murta
About 500 metres from the village of Ramalhal, in Alvaiázere, two dolmens — stone burial monuments — hold more than five thousand years of history. They were used from around 3500 to 1700 BC, and inside archaeologists found the remains of more than fifty people, pottery, arrowheads, ornaments and even a copper blade. You reach them on foot along a short dirt track — one of the oldest secrets of the Sicó lands.
Find out more on the Alvaiázere Municipality website →Viewpoints and Sundials
Just 3 km from Casa Pregueira, the Serra da Portela — or Anjo da Guarda — has a wooden windmill that the parish council describes as unique in the world, the Ciclo do Pão (Bread Cycle), a viewpoint over the Serra de Sicó with a sundial, the Anjo da Guarda chapel with public bread ovens and picnic tables, and a swing.
On the other side, the Serra de Alvaiázere is the highest point of the Sicó massif, at 618 metres: the swing overlooking the town, the hang-gliding take-off point, the sundial at the viewpoint and the lookout post by the wind farm. Near the summit are the Castro, an Iron Age hillfort, and many caves — only visit those with a guide.
Everything to see in the region →Before you head out
Upcoming events in the region
The Year’s Calendar
The festivals and fairs that bring Ansião and Alvaiázere to life. The dates shown are the usual ones — always check the municipality’s website before you come.
Pine Nut Fair (Feira dos Pinhões)
Ansião · last Saturday of JanuaryA century-old fair, one of the oldest in the municipality.
FAFIPA
Alvaiázere · usually the 2nd week of JuneAgricultural, forestry, industrial, livestock and crafts fair — local producers, artisans and entertainment at the Parque Multiusos.
Ansião Municipal Festival
Ansião · 1st weekend of AugustConcerts, a showcase of local businesses, the Feira dos Poceiros (10 August) and, every two years, the allegorical parade. On 14–15 August, Pousaflores celebrates Nossa Senhora das Neves.
Alvaiázere, Capital of the Chícharo
Alvaiázere · early OctoberThe chícharo (grass pea) food festival: food stalls, traditional dishes, local produce and concerts, free entry.
FICA — Winter Festival
Alvaiázere · mid-December to 5 JanuaryIce rink, Father Christmas’s house, Christmas train, shows for children and concerts up to New Year’s Eve.
Fairs and markets
Ansião · Saturday morningsWeekly fair and Ansião Municipal Market on Saturdays; in Santiago da Guarda, a monthly fair on the 26th.
Official calendars: Alvaiázere Municipality · Ansião Municipality