Branda de Lamelas

Category: Archaeology > Ruins

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Sistelo > Branda de Lamelas

Location

The Branda de Lamelas is located in the mountains of Arcos de Valdevez, near the village of Sistelo. It is situated in an elevated area, set within a mountainous landscape that characterizes this Minho region. Its position offers wide views over the surrounding landscape, with the terraces of Sistelo often visible in the distance, shaping the hillside. It is a place that integrates perfectly into the vastness of the surrounding nature.

History and Tradition of Transhumance

The name "Branda" refers to an ancestral practice of the region. These were the summer pastures for livestock, where the inhabitants of lower villages, like Sistelo, seasonally moved with their animals. The Branda de Lamelas is, therefore, a testament to a traditional way of life, based on transhumance and the sustainable exploitation of mountain resources. Its existence underscores the deep connection between local communities and the natural cycle of the seasons, revealing the wisdom of generations in harmony with the territory.

Mountain Folk Architecture

The Branda de Lamelas is composed of a set of rustic constructions, typically made of stone, which served as temporary shelters for shepherds and their families during the summer months. These small, simple, and functional houses reflect the popular mountain architecture, adapted to the needs of life at high altitudes and to the materials available in the natural environment. The robust walls and traditional roofs integrate harmoniously into the landscape, showing the ingenuity of the people of old in building resilient shelters.

Natural Setting and Environment

Surrounded by a natural environment of great beauty, the Branda de Lamelas invites contemplation of the landscape. The place is characterized by wide pastures and vegetation that varies with altitude, offering an interesting contrast to the more cultivated valleys. The atmosphere is one of tranquility, punctuated only by the sounds of nature, making it an ideal place for those seeking serenity and direct contact with the essence of the mountain. It is a space where one can feel the strength and calm of nature in its purest state.

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