Discover Vale De Carvalho

Vale De Carvalho brings together archaeological evidence at Monte de Vale de Carvalho and a broader regional perspective on architecture, traditions and the Pego do Altar Reservoir. In Santa Susana, historic church art, modernist buildings and traditions maintained each year sit side by side. Water sports are among the activities associated with the reservoir. When choosing your destination, you can weigh up whether you are most interested in archaeological history, heritage or activities on the water.

Archaeological traces at Monte de Vale de Carvalho

The Bronze Age necropolis at Monte de Vale de Carvalho contains burials in stone cists, known as cistas. The term refers to the burial form and complements an examination of the individual objects recovered. Two finds have specific dates: in 1925, a copper dagger with two rivets was recovered at the Monte. In 1971, a polished stone button was recovered from a stone cist in the burial area closest to Monte de Vale de Carvalho. The objects differ in material and form: the dagger stands out for its two rivets, while the button is notable for its polished stone and the context in which it was found.

The materials from Herdade de Vale de Carvalho are held at the National Museum of Archaeology. If you are looking for them specifically, check their current accessibility before planning a visit.

Heritage and tradition in Santa Susana

In the area around Vale De Carvalho, Santa Susana brings together several cultural periods. The village church contains two painted panels from the 16th century. Modernist buildings from the 1940s, associated with Henrique Louro Fernandes, have also been preserved. The perspective in time therefore extends from 16th-century church painting to 20th-century architecture. The panels and modernist buildings represent different forms of heritage: painting in the village church and architecture.

The traditional Madeiro de Natal is also part of Santa Susana’s cultural life. Each year, the local population gathers to create it anew. Unlike the preserved buildings, this custom is tied to an annual gathering. Local crafts include cork and wood miniatures, as well as lacework and embroidery. The range extends from small cork and wood pieces to textile work. Visitors to Santa Susana are recommended to try Açorda de alho, lamb stew, fried achigã (largemouth bass), migas with pork, Arroz de cabidela and local honey.

Pego do Altar Reservoir: water sports and engineering

In the area around Vale de Carvalho, Pego do Altar Reservoir is suitable for sport fishing, sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. These activities offer a different focus from the archaeological finds and historic buildings. The dam was built between 1935 and 1949, and the reservoir covers 876 hectares. The Ordem dos Engenheiros also included the dam in its selection of the 100 civil engineering works of the 20th century. This regional point of interest thus brings together the construction period, the size of the reservoir and its place in engineering.

Discover more destinations: Alcácer Do Sal, Torrão, Santa Susana (Aldeia de Santa Susana), Santa Catarina de Sítimos

Go to the main travel overview: Alcácer Do Sal.