Located in the heart of the Beira Alta region, the municipality of Sernancelhe invites you to discover a rural and authentic Portugal. This territory, embraced by a diverse landscape of valleys and mountains, is a mosaic of tradition and nature.
Sernancelhe is recognized as the Capital of the Chestnut, a title that reflects the fundamental importance of this fruit for its economy, culture, and identity. Ancestral chestnut groves dot the landscape, testifying to generations linked to the land and its cycles.
The history of Sernancelhe is profound, with vestiges dating back to distant eras, marking human presence since time immemorial. Its paths and villages tell stories of a rich past, where rurality and faith shaped communities.
This municipality is also the birthplace of Aquilino Ribeiro, one of the great names in Portuguese literature. His work is deeply rooted in the region's landscape and people, offering a unique perspective on local life and customs.
Visiting Sernancelhe means experiencing the tranquility and genuineness of a place where time seems to flow at another pace, allowing for complete immersion in the culture and mountain landscapes. The simplicity and hospitality of its communities are striking characteristics, inviting contemplation and rest. Its crystal-clear waters, river courses, and varied flora offer settings for long walks, where contact with the natural environment is constant.
Authentic flavors that tell the story of our land
This unique dish reflects the popular wisdom of yesteryear, using carqueja, an aromatic plant abundant in the region. It is a rice with an intense and characteristic flavor, often prepared with meat, such as rabbit or sausages, or even in its simpler vegetarian version, rooting itself in the mountain tradition of utilizing local resources.
Kid goat, raised in local pastures, is one of the pillars of Beira gastronomy, and in Sernancelhe, the tradition of preparing it in a wood-fired oven is maintained. Seasoned with garlic, bay leaf, and white wine, it results in tender and succulent meat with crispy skin, representing the robustness and richness of the flavors of the interior.
Chestnut, the jewel in Sernancelhe's crown, is the queen of local confectionery. From the traditional <i>Chestnut Cake</i>, which combines chestnut flour with eggs and sugar, to puddings, jams, and even chocolates, the versatility of this fruit is exploited to the fullest. These sweets are a celebration of the harvest and autumnal flavor, a true reflection of the municipality's identity.
Weather Sernancelhe
On-duty Pharmacy Sernancelhe