Fundão: Gardunha, Cherry Culture and History
Accommodation in Fundão
Serra da Gardunha and the Zêzere
The Paisagem Protegida Regional da Serra da Gardunha covers 10,507.49 hectares and includes the southern part of the municipality of Fundão. Within this protected landscape lies the Natura 2000 site PTCON0028, where remnants of riparian forests can be found. The region’s natural profile therefore includes both a large protected landscape and a specific habitat. If you would like to include nature in your travel plans, the Serra da Gardunha offers a clear point of reference.
At Janeiro de Cima, the Zêzere serves as a recreational area. The Meandros do Zêzere Geomonument, which is part of the Naturtejo Geopark, lies near the village. The river and the geomonument offer two distinct landscape-related points of interest: a recreational area by the water and a named site within the geopark.
Cherry Culture and Local Traditions
The 2026 edition of the Festa da Cereja in Alcongosta showcased Cereja do Fundão and a range of cherry-based products. Specific programme details may vary from year to year.
The Casa da Cereja in Alcongosta is a visitor centre dedicated to cherries and their importance to Fundão. It presents the cherry varieties found here and the geographical development of orchards on the slopes of the Serra da Gardunha. In this way, the story of cherries connects the product with the varieties and the changing geography of fruit growing.
Another link to tradition leads to Póvoa de Atalaia: the municipality describes Lérias as a centuries-old lace-making tradition unique to this place.
Museums, Archaeology and Heritage
The Museu Arqueológico José Monteiro is located in the former Solar Taborda Falcão de Elvas.
A Moagem – Cidade do Engenho e das Artes is housed in the restored complex of the former Moagem do Fundão company. The Sala de Exposições is in a former warehouse and hosts contemporary art exhibitions. The Núcleo de Interpretação da Moagem do Centeio reconstructs the machinery cycle used to process grain and presents its architectural, economic and social development. The complex’s themes thus range from its industrial past and technical processes to contemporary art.
The Roman baths at Quinta do Ervedal in Castelo Novo comprise two bath buildings dating from Roman times. The archaeological site of the Roman baths has not yet been fully excavated. Castelo Novo Castle retains a square tower; excavations have uncovered hundreds of remains from its medieval settlement. Castelo Novo therefore brings together two distinct historical themes: Roman baths and traces of a medieval settlement.
Another edition of the Festival de Música Antiga was announced for 2026 in the historic village of Castelo Novo. The announced edition brings together music, heritage and community.
Discover more destinations: Fundão, Aldeia Nova Do Cabo, Pêro Viseu, Valverde, Alpedrinha, Alcongosta, Salgueiro, Silvares, Barroca, Aldeia de Joanes, Donas.
For the wider travel overview: Castelo Branco.
