Tower

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Castelo Branco > Covilhã > Torre

Location

The Torre represents the highest point of Continental Portugal, rising to an altitude of 1993 meters. This geographical landmark is situated in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, in an area where the boundaries of three municipalities converge: Covilhã, Manteigas, and Seia. The name "Torre" designates not only this unique point but also the surrounding locality, the highest part of the mountain range.

A distinctive feature of the Torre is its remarkable accessibility; a paved road leads visitors directly to its summit, making it an easily reachable destination for those seeking to experience the mountaintop.

The Summit and its Symbol

Unlike a sharp mountain peak, the Torre is, in fact, the highest point of a vast plateau. At its summit, there is a geodesic marker that signifies the official altitude of the site. Complementing this marker, a symbolic monument stands, integrated into a roundabout. A historical curiosity, although without official confirmation, tells that King D. João VI ordered the stone monument to be erected in the 19th century, with the purpose of completing the altitude to 2000 meters. This unique structure gives the place an even more iconic character.

Panorama and Mountain Climate

From the summit of the Torre, a vast viewpoint offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It is possible to observe the complex topography of deep valleys, where geological formations of schist and granite are mixed, traversed by various watercourses. On clear days, the amplitude of the view can extend to the Atlantic horizon, reaching the Figueira da Foz area, kilometers away.

The climate at the Torre is notable for its temperatures, which can be the lowest recorded in Continental Portugal, reaching significant values in winter. Snowfall during the winter months is a major attraction, transforming the landscape and inviting the experience of a truly winter mountain environment.

A Legacy of Shepherds

At the summit of the Torre, a recent space celebrates the ancestry of shepherding in the region. This place was created as a tribute to the shepherds and their daily work, fundamental for the preservation of the Bordaleira sheep, an emblematic breed of the mountain range. The project aims to value the wool and milk of these sheep, central elements in the local economy and culture.

The architecture of the building, which draws inspiration from "bardos", the traditional stone enclosures that shelter sheep in the fields, highlights this deep connection with the territory. Inside, it is possible to understand the cycle of wool and cheese, appreciating the link between local tradition and authentic regional products, which are the result of a know-how passed down through generations.

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