Category: Civil Architecture > Settlement
District: Coimbra > Arganil > Piódão > Zona Central
The Village of Piódão is nestled on the steep slopes of the Serra do Açor mountain range, in the District of Coimbra, Municipality of Arganil, in the locality of Piódão. This historic village is located in the Central Zone of Portugal, in a remote position that contributes to its unique atmosphere. Its location on terraced mountainsides offers a panoramic view over the surrounding landscape, where human intervention merges harmoniously with the rugged nature of the mountain range. Access, though challenging, gradually reveals its distinctive form, integrated into the orography.
The architecture of the Village of Piódão is its most striking feature. The houses, arranged in a natural amphitheater, are built predominantly from schist, a metamorphic rock abundant in the region. The roofs are covered with slate slabs, giving a dark and cohesive tone to the built ensemble. Notable are the windows and doors painted in a vibrant shade of blue, which contrasts with the sobriety of the schist and adds a unique splash of color to the village landscape. This choice of materials and colors is not random, reflecting the adaptation and use of local resources throughout the centuries.
The relative difficulty of access to Piódão, historically and naturally conditioned by the mountainous geography, played a crucial role in preserving its original layout. This isolation allowed the village to maintain its architectural characteristics and traditional way of life, almost untouched by time. Throughout the centuries, the community adapted to the environment, creating a village that is a living testament to the ingenuity and resilience of mountain populations. This particularity gives the place an atmosphere of rare authenticity, inviting a journey back in time.
The profile of the Village of Piódão, with its houses descending the hillside in terraces, resembles a nativity scene, especially when the lights come on at dusk. The way the village fits into the landscape, with its narrow and winding streets, its stone walls, and its small courtyards, creates a scenic environment of great beauty. This iconic image is reinforced by the way the village seems to emerge from the mountain itself, an extension of rock and earth, offering a memorable visual experience and a sense of harmony between the built and the natural.
Sources: https://pt.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi%C3%B3d%C3%A3o
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 40.229330701670065,-7.8248598135837355
Coordinates DMS: 40°13'45.6"N 07°49'29.5"W
Weather Piódão
On-duty Pharmacy Piódão
