Story Studio Sortelha
Discover one of the most beautiful and ancient Portuguese villages – Sortelha – and immerse yourself in the history of this unique place that still preserves its identity.
Enclosed by a defensive ring and guarded by its castle, Sortelha is a faithful journey back in time. The original architecture of this place allows us to travel back in time several centuries, making this village one of the most iconic in our country.
Story Studio Sortelha is an ambitious project comprising more than a dozen single-family units located within the walls of Sortelha. Our proposed intervention prioritizes the preservation of the original architectural features, respecting the identity of this unique space, which leaves no one indifferent as they wander the narrow streets of this historic village. We remain committed to showcasing Portugal’s small treasures, never neglecting the comfort of our guests and the authenticity of the land.
We want Story Studio to be your first option for immersing yourself in and exploring the unique and unrepeatable historical and cultural heritage offered by Portugal’s wonderful Historic Villages. We invite you to join us in adding your stories to the stories we’ve already told in Coimbra and Piódão, and which we’ll soon be telling in Monsanto.
Local Accommodation registration number: 157200/AL, 155220/AL, 155214/AL, 155215/AL, 155216/AL, 155212/AL, 155213/AL, 155208/AL, 155209/AL, 155210/AL, 155211/AL, 155206/AL, 155203/AL, 155205/AL, 155124/AL, 155122/AL
Historic Village of Sortelha, 6320-536, Sortelha, Sabugal
Main Amenities
EXCLUSIVE ACCOMMODATION
Each accommodation unit offers you total exclusivity during your stay, with access to the bedroom, living room, bathroom and kitchenette.
LARGE LIVING ROOM
The accommodation unit has a spacious living room, equipped with a very comfortable sofa (sofa bed for two people) and a television with over 100 channels available.
CARE FOR CLOTHES
Each accommodation unit has a steam iron and ironing board, and 8 of them are equipped with a washing machine and dryer.
TOURIST INFORMATION
The accommodation unit provides personalized tourist information about the city of Coimbra, including the main points of interest and themed tourist itineraries, offering our guests a full immersion into the destination.
MODERN KITCHEN
Each unit has a modern kitchenette, fully equipped with quality appliances (refrigerator, induction hob, dishwasher, microwave, toaster, coffee maker), eco-friendly cleaning products, utensils, and various seasonings, giving you the opportunity to prepare your own meals.
AIR CONDITIONING
Each accommodation unit features an intelligent air conditioning system with underfloor heating, providing the necessary comfort and convenience, as well as a bioethanol fireplace for a cozy environment, free from smoke, odors, and residue.
EQUIPPED WC
Each 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
Each accommodation unit offers free internet access, to facilitate and encourage sharing moments and experiences in the Historic Village of Sortelha with family and friends.
GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT
Each accommodation unit has a set of games for family bonding and a Marshall Bluetooth speaker so you can create the perfect atmosphere for your stay.
Gallery
Reviews
Discover Sortelha
A journey through eight hundred years of history.
Once known as Pena Sortelha, this medieval cross-border town received its charter from King Sancho II in 1228. The castle was probably built in the early 12th century and later reinforced with a keep. The walls were built in the mid-12th century, nestled between the Baroque walls and cliffs.
Due to the weak defenses of the territory, gates in the wall were scarce. The Town Gate, to the east, was rebuilt later, and on its interior elevation, numerous initials carved into the ashlars are visible, particularly the stonemason’s marks, very common during the 13th and 14th centuries. At that time, masons were paid by the piece, not by the day, and these marks were a way of accounting for their work. The New Gate, to the west, is also called the Sun Gate or Covilhã Gate, and a few meters north of it, the so-called False Gate, which is not, because the false doors led to dead ends. In the 14th century, the Torch Tower was built on the western side of the wall to better protect the existing Gates (New and False) and control the lands towards Covilhã. Its name derives from the torches that were burned at its top to communicate with the other castles by means of smoke signals. The houses we see today within the walls are some of the best-preserved in Portugal, preserving the typical houses and alleys of 16th-century Sortelha. Side corbels, which would have been used to hold flower pots, are also common in Sortelha.
Places to visit
Castle and Walls
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.
Parish Church
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.
Largo do Corro and Medieval Houses
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.
Sortelha Pillory
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.
Jewish Heritage
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.
"Mosaic Exhibition" Viewpoint
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.
Radium Waters
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.
Sabugal Castle
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.
Sabugal Museum
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.
Belmonte
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.
Monsanto
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.
Guard
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.