São Pedro Velho

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Aveiro > Arouca > São Pedro Velho

Location:

Situated in the locality of São Pedro Velho, in the municipality of Arouca, this location is one of the highest points in the Serra da Freita and is part of the Arouca Geopark territory. Its summit position offers a privileged setting for landscape observation.

Access to the observation point involves a hike along a trail that allows for gradual immersion in the natural surroundings. At the top, a wooden structure is available to facilitate contemplation of the panorama.

The Amplitude of the Landscape:

From São Pedro Velho, the view extends in a 360-degree panorama over the Serra da Freita and a horizon that reaches a large part of the national territory. On clear days, it is possible to discern deep valleys, distant elevations, and, to the west, a portion of the Atlantic Ocean.

The observation allows for the identification of the orography of various mountain ranges and the conformation of striking valleys, such as the Arouca and Paiva valleys, or the slopes of Montemuro and Caramulo. Further south, the line of the Serra da Estrela unfolds. Towards the sea, the Ria de Aveiro can be seen. The end of the day at this location is often sought after for the transition of colors observed on the horizon.

A Geological and Geodetic Point:

São Pedro Velho constitutes a geosite of relevance due to its particular formation. The site is marked by a granitic geomorphology, where dome-shaped rock platforms stand out, resulting from the remarkable resistance of this rock to erosion over time. Various characteristics of the granitic landscape can be identified here, including the presence of blocks and cavities in the rock.

At this point, at an altitude of 1077 meters, there is a geodetic marker, dated 1955. This marks one of the highest points in the Serra da Freita and belongs to the National Geodetic Network, underlining the topographic and scientific importance of São Pedro Velho.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt