Discover Vide: Rock Art and River Landscape

You can get to know Vide through its rock art, buildings and hiking landscapes. The town stretches along both banks of the Rio Alvoco. Local attractions range from prehistoric remains and sacred architecture to traditional olive oil production and nature by the water. When planning your trip, you can decide whether you are more interested in archaeological finds, architectural history, a longer hike or a natural swimming pool.

Rock Art and Buildings

Vide has three prehistoric rock art sites considered to be of particular archaeological interest. The most important sites are in Entre-Águas and Ferraduras. Their geometric and symbolic depictions and schematic anthropomorphic figures probably date from the Bronze Age. The rock art thus includes both seemingly abstract motifs and schematic human figures.

Ponte Medieval is in the centre of Vide, spanning the Ribeira de Alvoco and connecting its two banks. Its single, wide-span rounded arch is made of regularly dressed granite voussoirs. The Igreja Matriz is dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Assunção and probably dates from the 18th century. It has a single-nave layout, and its main façade is decorated with blue-and-white patterned azulejos. Above Vide, the Capela do Senhor do Calvário stands on a hill. It is accompanied by a recreational area with imposing cork oaks. The bridge, parish church and chapel thus offer distinct architectural and landscape features.

Discover Olive Oil and Rock Art

Since 2019, Lagar do Ribeiro has been a museum space where you can learn about the traditional olive oil production process. The olive press is on Vide’s right bank, beside Rua do Passadiço. Olive oil production is the focus here, while rock art and sacred buildings reflect other aspects of the town. The Centro Interpretativo de Arte Rupestre de Vide is located in the Vide primary school building; visits are by prior appointment.

Hiking the PR13

A route guide published in 2016 describes the PR13 Rota da Ribeira de Alvoco as a connection between Vide and Alvoco da Serra. The route passes through a valley between the Serra do Açor and the Serra da Estrela and ends in Vide. The guide gives a length of 17.095 kilometres and an approximate duration of 6 hours and 30 minutes. It rates the route as difficult and recommends it year-round. The approximate duration is a useful, specific guide for planning your day. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Water Spots and Landscape

Poço dos Caneiros is a natural pool fed by clear water from the Ribeira de Alvoco. The green landscape there is characterised by ash and alder trees. Swimming in the pool is possible in summer; check local conditions before swimming. Along the PR13 there are also man-made pools called “poços de broca.” They were created by diverting the course of streams. The two types of water feature are therefore distinct: Poço dos Caneiros is a natural pool with the option of swimming in summer, while the “poços de broca” are man-made pools.

Discover more destinations: Valezim, Vale Da Igreja, Aldeia Do Bispo, Manteigas, Figueiró Da Serra, Cavadoude, Alfaiates, Valhelhas

For the broader travel overview: Guarda.