Walkways of Our Lady of Candosa

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Coimbra > Góis > Vila Nova do Ceira > Cabril

Location

The Senhora da Candosa Boardwalks are located in the Cabril area, belonging to the locality of Vila Nova do Ceira, in the municipality of Góis. This route unfolds in a remarkable natural setting, marked by quartzitic cliffs where the Chapel of Senhora da Candosa stands. These rocky formations are part of a ridge that crosses the region, defining a rugged yet inviting landscape.

The route follows a rocky gorge, shaped over millennia by the action of the Ceira River. This journey culminates in an impressive river canyon, known as Cabril or Portas do Ceira, a point where the river seems to have carved its way through the rock itself. The panoramic view offered over the parish and the surrounding nature is one of its most striking aspects.

The Route and the Landscape

With an extension of about 600 meters, the Senhora da Candosa Boardwalks provide an experience of close contact with nature. The trail is punctuated by approximately 450 steps, which lead visitors through the escarpments and offer different perspectives on the valley and the course of the Ceira River. The walk allows observation of the imposing rocks and the force of the water that sculpted them.

Along the route, there is a wooden viewpoint, strategically positioned to allow for a break and contemplation of the grandeur of the landscape. This spot offers a privileged view of the gorge and the mountains, inviting careful observation of the local flora and geology. In some sections, the dizzying inclination of the rocky walls above the river makes observing the Ceira a challenge, revealing the colossal dimension of the canyon.

Legacy and Enigma

The area where the boardwalks are located is deeply linked to a rich heritage of tales and traditions. The highest point of the hill has, since time immemorial, been associated with the Legend of Senhora da Candosa. This narrative speaks of a forbidden love between a Moorish princess and a Christian prince, whose secret meetings took place in a cave in the Cabril area, separated by the two kingdoms, the Moorish and the Christian. The tragedy of their romance, which culminated in the waters of the Ceira, left an indelible mark on local memory.

The construction of the Senhora da Candosa Boardwalks represented an effort to enhance this area after the major fires of 2017. The initiative, born in the Parish Council of Vila Nova do Ceira, aimed to reintroduce this location into the visitor routes, revealing its natural beauty and the mystery surrounding Portas do Ceira, a true landscape treasure of the Central region of Portugal.

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