Peva: Archaeological Traces and Landscape

Peva combines archaeological evidence from different periods with a distinct connection to the landscape. To understand the sites, it is helpful to distinguish the burial grounds by date and type: their names do not refer to a single historical period. Portela can also be placed in its landscape, on the gentle slope above the Ribeira da Rabeja, with views extending to the Rio Paiva. Peva therefore offers several points of interest for travellers who do not want to reduce local history and landscape to a single theme.

Burial sites from different periods

Casal dos Moiros is an early medieval necropolis, while Covais is a burial site from the same period. Coval is a necropolis dating to the late Roman Empire. Um Santo adds to the range as an unfinished medieval rock-cut tomb. Together, the four sites represent different names and periods: Casal dos Moiros and Covais belong to the early Middle Ages, Coval to the late Roman Empire, and Um Santo to the Middle Ages. The types of burial site also differ. Two places are classified as necropolises, Covais as a burial site, and Um Santo as a rock-cut tomb. If you want to place Peva’s past in a historical timeline, these sites offer several points of reference rather than a single period designation.

Portela and the view across the valley

Portela lies on a gentle slope above the Ribeira da Rabeja. From there, the view stretches across the valley to the Rio Paiva. The slope, valley and river are useful landmarks in the landscape: Portela is above the Ribeira, while the view extends across its valley to the Rio Paiva. There is also a chapel dedicated to Santo Antão on the hilltop. The description of the place brings together two distinct aspects: its setting in the landscape and the religious dedication of a building. For travellers interested in local culture and landscape, these details offer different points of interest.

The PR8 and its connection to Peva

The PR8 Rota das Terras do Demo de Aquilino Ribeiro passes through Peva and Segões; a technical inspection in 2025 records this connection to the two places. A route description documented in 2025 names a former primary school, converted into the Centro Interpretativo de Aquilino Ribeiro, as the starting point. The route description therefore includes both its connection to the two places and a named starting point. The full route name explicitly mentions Aquilino Ribeiro, as does the name of the interpretive centre. For trip planning, the PR8 can be considered a distinct point of interest alongside the archaeological sites.

A note on traditional milling

Traditional milling is another theme associated with Peva. One of two mills suitable for grinding was located in the village. This detail adds a different aspect of local history to the archaeological burial sites. The themes can therefore be clearly distinguished: the necropolises, burial site and rock-cut tomb on the one hand, and a mill used for grinding on the other. The archaeological past is not the only point of reference for understanding the place.

Considering Peva as a destination

If you are considering Peva as an overnight destination, it may help to first decide what you want your trip to focus on. The different periods represented by the burial sites, the landscape around Portela and the PR8’s connection to Peva offer concrete points of reference. This also gives your search for a hotel in Peva a starting point: you can choose your destination based on the themes that interest you most about the area.

Discover more destinations: Sarzeda.

For the broader travel overview: Sernancelhe.