40.091775º N, 8.235796º W
The small and beautiful town of Casal Novo is located in the municipality of Lousã and is part of the Schist Villages network. It is one of the smallest villages in Serra da Lousã, consisting of just one main street, crossed by 2 or 3 alleys, and its threshing floors, where the inhabitants sowed vegetables and cereals.But, despite its size, Casal Novo is considered one of the most beautiful schist villages in the mountains, largely thanks to the vegetation that surrounds it and the magnificent views from here, which include the magnificent Lousã castle.
In ancient times, Casal was the name given to a small cluster of houses and, therefore, the village gained the name Casal Novo because it was more recent than the neighboring villages. Its first inhabitants arrived here around the 18th century, at a time when this was a seasonal village, when the population only lived there in the spring and summer months, the best time to sow the fields.
Over time, the owners of the houses began to live permanently in the village, making it a community village, due to its marked isolation. As happened in all other villages in Serra da Lousã, Casal Novo was also devastated by the wave of emigration in the 60s and 70s of the 20th century.
Its decline was inevitable, with houses beginning to turn into ruins as the population left. Fortunately, the village has since gained a new lease of life, with many of the houses being restored and transformed into rural tourism housing.
Casal Novo is a quick visit, especially because it has little heritage. The only public places are the fountain and the tank, but it's worth spending a few hours wandering through its alleys, appreciating the shale houses and streets, and every little detail that will allow you to imagine what the day-to-day life of the people would be like. people who lived here.
After getting to know the village, be sure to get to know its surroundings, following one of the two official trails that pass through here. The Rota das Aldeias de Xisto is 6 km long and moderately difficult, while the Rota dos Serranos is just over 6 km long and is considered a more difficult route.
If you prefer, you can also take a mountain bike trail, with easy difficulty and which connects the village to Lousã. It continues for 9 km, which will allow you to glimpse some of the most beautiful places in the mountains. Don't forget that the route is linear, so you'll also have to go back by bike.
If you're not a fan of hiking or mountain biking, you can always explore the surrounding area by car, especially as there are many places to discover within a short distance. Very close by, you will find the village of Talasnal, which is one of the largest in the region and perhaps one of the most iconic schist villages.
You can also visit Chiqueiro and Vaqueirinho, as well as Candal, Catarredor, Cerdeira and Gondramaz, each with its own charm and great beauty.
In recent years, other attractions have been added to the list of options. The main highlight is the Trevim Swing, but along the mountain you can also find frames, giant letters and panoramic sofas, which captivate all visitors and will allow you to appreciate the natural beauty of this region from several different points.
As you can see, there is a lot to do and discover in Casal Novo and its surroundings, so a long visit is recommended. When you leave, you will realize that you have just discovered an authentic and genuine side of the country, which awaits you with open arms and which never ceases to surprise us with its simplicity and enormous diversity. A real country, which remains in our memories for a long time and captivates us, inviting us to visit again whenever we can.
https://www.aldeiasdoxisto.pt/en/villages/lousa/casal-novo/
GONDRAMAZ
40.062090º N, 8.273330º W
Gondramaz is a schist village, in the Vila Nova mountain range, located in the municipality of Miranda do Corvo, parish of Vila Nova. It is located on a hillside in Serra da Lousã, approximately 9 km from the center of Vila de Miranda do Corvo.
This village is part of the Schist Village Network.
Built heritage
Chapel of Our Lady of Conception
Popular washroom
Picnic Park
Ballroom
Natural patrimony
Ribeira Waterfall
Penedo dos Corvos
Visits by Miguel Torga
In case of illness, the doctor has to go to the village. Miguel Torga, in 1935, when a doctor in Vila Nova, portrays in his diary the embarrassment he felt when visiting Gondramaz, portraying the harshness of isolation and life at that time, not only for those who lived there but, in his case, for who the circumstances of life led to feel the life of the mountains.
Accessible Village
In this village, a project “Caminho do Xisto Acessível de Gondramaz” was created with the aim of providing people with disabilities with an accessible route. Technical solutions were then found in terms of pavement, signage and equipment.
The “area” hosting the route has good car access, with two parking spaces for people with disabilities. At floor level, a sensory floor was laid that allows blind people to guide blind people independently through the difference in textures. To complement this visit, blind people also have at their disposal audio guides that are provided free of charge at different collection points, namely: the Miranda do Corvo Tourist Office, at Quinta da Paiva (Miranda do Corvo) and also at the Restaurant Schist Courtyard (Gondramaz).
This route also has at its disposal a bathroom fully adapted for people with disabilities, located in Largo da Capela.
https://www.aldeiasdoxisto.pt/en/villages/lousa/gondramaz/
