Branda of the Soengas

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Tourist Attraction

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Gondoriz > Branda das Soengas

Location

Branda das Soengas is nestled in the mountainous landscape of the municipality of Arcos de Valdevez, specifically in the locality of Gondoriz, in the district of Viana do Castelo. This place is situated in a naturally privileged environment, characterized by the tranquility and serenity of the highlands. Its position offers a deep immersion in nature, where valleys stretch out under one's gaze and the pure air of the mountains is a constant.

It is a spot that stands out for its integration into the landscape, revealing the harmony between human presence and the surrounding natural environment, typical of the higher and more isolated areas of the region.

A Legacy of Transhumance

Branda das Soengas is a living testament to a rural past and an ancestral practice: transhumance. A "branda" represents a type of seasonal settlement, traditionally occupied by local communities, particularly shepherds and their families, during the warmer months of the year, spring and summer. During these periods, populations moved with their herds from the "inverneiras" (winter villages, located at lower altitudes) to the high-altitude pastures.

This migratory movement, fundamental for the survival and sustenance of the livestock, shaped the culture and identity of these lands, leaving behind a unique ethnographic heritage that Branda das Soengas preserves.

Architecture and Community Environment

The constructions in Branda das Soengas reflect the simplicity and functionality necessary for a temporary settlement in the mountains. The dwellings, of traditional design, are predominantly made of stone, adapting exemplarily to the terrain and available resources. They are characterized by their robustness and the way they discreetly integrate into the surrounding landscape.

These structures, although modest, were the focal point of community life during the months of occupation, mirroring a shared way of life and the resilience of the people who found sustenance here for themselves and their animals.

Natural and Landscape Setting

Visiting Branda das Soengas means immersing oneself in a natural setting of unparalleled beauty. The elevated location offers panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and mountains, where the vastness of the landscape is striking. The environment is one of deep quietude, punctuated only by the sounds of nature, allowing for a true disconnection and a reconnection with tranquility.

The purity of the air, the native vegetation, and the potential observation of local fauna contribute to an enriching experience, underscoring the ecological value and preservation of this corner of Alto Minho.

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