Zêzere Glacier Valley Museum and Interpretive Center, Serra da Estrela

Category: Civil Architecture > Museum

District: Guarda > Manteigas > Manteigas > São Pedro

Location

The Zêzere Glacier Valley Museum and Interpretative Centre is located in the São Pedro area, in the town of Manteigas, immersed in the magnificent landscape of Serra da Estrela. Its position within the village makes it a reference point for those wishing to deepen their knowledge of the region's natural history and its surroundings.

The Formation of the Glacier Valley

This center is dedicated to unveiling the secrets of the Zêzere Glacier Valley, one of the most impressive legacies of the last glaciation on the Iberian Peninsula. One of the highlights of the visit is a simulator that recreates an aerial journey along the 13 kilometers of the valley. In this virtual experience, visitors have the opportunity to observe the territory from a unique perspective, traveling back in time and understanding, with the aid of 3D representations, how the phenomenon of glaciation shaped this particular landscape.

A Building with a Past

The space that houses the center has its own history. It is the former Forester's House, a place that for years was the epicenter of forest protection and management activity in the region. This legacy is integrated into the visit, offering a perspective on the life and work of those who once cared for these lands. The narration of this story takes place in a welcoming environment, often around the building's original fireplace.

Biodiversity and Trails

Inside the center, visitors can explore the biological richness of the Zêzere Glacier Valley. There are interactive panels detailing the characteristic fauna and flora of the region, with special attention to endemic species, those that are unique to this ecosystem. There is also a module dedicated to hiking trails, where a large interactive map presents various routes available in the area, highlighting the natural and landscape values associated with each of them, totaling sixteen different trails.

Glimpses of Manteigas

In addition to focusing on the glacier valley, the center also offers a dual perspective on the village of Manteigas. Through interactive screens, visitors can discover "windows" to the past, with images of old buildings and significant moments of the community. There is also a "window" to the present, with relevant information about the village, its notable points, and some curiosities, serving as a guide to better understand the locality.

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