Story Studio Piódão
Discover Piódão, a historic village classified as a property of
The Historic Village of Piódão is one of those places that transports us back to another time. The renowned ‘Huffington Post’ website goes even further, describing the Historic Village of Piódão as… ‘it seems straight out of The Flintstones,’ given its similarities to these Stone Age heroes. Indeed, the village’s architectural layout, its location ‘far’ from urban centers, and its scenic setting define the unique character of this icon of national tourism.
Main Amenities
EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation unit has a double room (double bed) on a mezzanine, offering you total exclusivity.during the period of stay.
LIVING ROOM
The accommodation unit has a living room, equipped with a very comfortable sofa (sofa bed) and an Android TV, with over 100 channels available.
SECURITY
Each accommodation unit prioritizes guest safety by providing a smoke detector, fire extinguisher, fire blanket and first aid kit.
TOURIST INFORMATION
The accommodation unit provides personalized tourist information about Piódão, including the main points of interest and themed tourist itineraries, offering our guests a full immersion in the destination.
MODERN KITCHEN
The accommodation unit has a modern kitchenette, fully equipped with quality appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, dryer and washing machine, microwave, toaster, coffee maker), ecological cleaning products, utensils, and various seasonings, providing the opportunity to prepare your own meals.
AIR CONDITIONING
The accommodation unit has an intelligent air conditioning system, installed in the floor (underfloor heating) that provides the necessary comfort and convenience, and also a bio fireplace, for a welcoming environment, free from smoke, odors and residues.
EQUIPPED WC
The accommodation unit has a fully equipped bathroom with a shower cabin, hairdryer, towels, slippers, organic shampoo and shower gel, meeting your needs.
FREE Wi-FI
The accommodation unit offers free internet access, to facilitate and encourage sharing moments and experiences lived in the Historic Village of Piódão with your family and friends.
MOBILITY
The accommodation unit has two electric bicycles for our guests' recreational use.
Gallery
Reviews
Discover Piódão
“With the protest of my ailing body from the tormenting jolts of the long walk, I came here to say goodbye to primeval Portugal. I have already done so with the other images of its adult form. I was missing this one of the embryonic egg.”
Miguel Torga, Miguel Torga and the Arganil Region, 1991
Piódão is a village where humanity’s communion with nature still prevails over human greed. The simplicity of the shale houses, punctuated by the blue of their doors, almost resembles a village straight out of a children’s story, some even calling it a “doll village” or “Asterix’s village.”
This secret, protected by the Serra do Açor, was built in an inhospitable location, but later became harmonious with its surroundings. The houses are scattered along the mountain terraces, divided by winding, narrow streets, concealing stories worthy of their time.
One of the most beautiful love stories Portugal has ever witnessed was the forbidden passion between Pedro I of Portugal and Inês de Castro. And in a twist of fate, Constança, while giving birth to the future king of Portugal, Ferdinand I, ended up dying, and it wasn’t long before rumors began to spread that Pedro had secretly married Inês. King Afonso IV, furious, went with Pero Coelho, Álvaro Gonçalves, and Diogo Lopes Pacheco to the Palace of Santa Clara in Coimbra, where the two had settled, and executed Inês de Castro. Pedro I, enraged, decided to pursue and kill her executioners.
And this is where Piódão plays a role in this tragic love story. One of the executioners, Diogo Lopes Pacheco, decides to flee to Beira Alta and finds the perfect refuge in the “nativity scene village” to escape King Pedro’s wrath. His plan works, and he later manages to escape across the border to France. Later, on his deathbed, he is pardoned by the Portuguese king.
Piódão is a village that, despite being protected by nature from human greed, remains present in the history of the country and the Portuguese people. Visit this village and feel transported to a new dimension, to a unique relationship between history, humanity, and nature, and be enchanted by the majestic beauty of the landscape.
Places to visit
Parish Church
Built in the second half of the 18th century, the church dedicated to Our Lady of the Conception underwent several restoration and expansion works. The 1898-1900 renovation created the current façade, featuring four sturdy cylindrical buttresses, elevated above the nave, and topped with conical spires.
Chapel of St. Peter
Located at the top of the village, this would have been a communal threshing floor, shared by all residents and their activities, such as agriculture, herding, and gathering wild fruits. Its founding likely dates back to the 16th century, as this religious temple contains an image of the Saint dating back to the same century.
Piódão Museum Center
Also functioning as a Tourist Office and a welcome center for visitors to the village, here you can visit the permanent exhibition, featuring artifacts and works of art that reflect the way of life of the people of this historic village, but also how they are viewed by those who have had the privilege of visiting.
Chãs D'Ègua Rock Art Interpretive Center
Here you can visit the nearly 100 engraved rocks discovered in the parish of Piódão, which constitute the most important concentration of rock art known to date in the region stretching between the Tagus and the Lower Côa rivers. This center also serves as a reception area for guided tours of various rock art sites.
Biodiversity
Water, along with steep slopes and deep valleys, define the majestic landscape surrounding Aldeia do Piódão. This landscape, reminiscent of a living work of art, is characterized by its tranquility and stillness, populated by a diversity of tree and shrub species, small and medium-sized mammals, and birds of prey. This ecosystem is a vital bastion for the flourishing of agriculture, pastoralism, and beekeeping in the region.
Açor Mountains
Located between the Serra da Lousã and Serra da Estrela, it covers an area of 346 hectares. Classified as a Protected Landscape, the Serra do Açor is a predominantly schist mountainous area, offering breathtaking views from its 1,349-meter elevation.
Margaraça Forest
The Margaraça Forest, located within the Serra do Açor Protected Area, is a rare example of spontaneous mountain vegetation and an important Biogenetic Reserve. Spanning 68 hectares, it's a place worth exploring for its freshness and biological diversity. Oak trees, strawberry trees, hazelnut trees, cherry trees, honeysuckle, goshawks, tawny owls, hawks, and buzzards are among the flora and fauna found in this protected area.
Fraga da Pena
Within the Mata da Margaraça and in the heart of the Serra do Açor, we find this idyllic retreat, where a majestic waterfall over 20 meters high cuts its way through the vegetation, interrupting the serenity of its surroundings. An extraordinary natural wonder well worth a visit.
Piódão River Beach
A dam built on the Piódão River gave rise to Piódão River Beach, a prime bathing area that was classified as a "Golden Quality Beach" in 2023 by QUERCUS – National Association for Nature Conservation, an award given to beaches with excellent water quality over the past five years. Enjoy the surrounding leisure areas and the unique views this location offers.
Foz D'Égua River Beach
Near Piódão lies Foz d'Égua, where the Piódão and Chãs d'Égua streams meet. Its course is blocked by a dam, creating an idyllic landscape and a paradise in the middle of summer, recognized by the setting of the two existing bridges.
Cascalheira River Beach - Secarias
Cascalheira River Beach, in Secarias, was classified in 2023 as a “Gold Quality Beach” by QUERCUS and awarded the Blue Flag for its excellent water quality, leisure areas and unique surroundings.
Pedro and Agnes Bridge
As the Alva River flows towards the Mondego, it is interrupted by the Fronhas Dam. This location offers opportunities for various activities, including windsurfing, fishing, swimming, and sailing. Those less adventurous can opt for a pleasant walk along the banks of the Alva River.