Discover Casegas: History and Riverside Destinations

Casegas lies in the foothills of the Serra da Estrela. The town offers a range of themes to explore when planning a trip: religious heritage, historical accounts, a museum focused on a person’s life, and destinations by streams and rivers. When choosing what to see, you can decide whether you are more interested in religious buildings, historical trade links, the life of Monsenhor Alves Brás, or places by the water. The examples below bring these different themes to life.

Religious Heritage and Historical Traces

The most notable example of Casegas’s religious heritage is the parish church dedicated to São Pedro, built in 1933–1934. Historical accounts of Casegas also mention a chapel dedicated to São Sebastião. The Capela do Anjo da Guarda was added in the second half of the 20th century. The chapel popularly known in Casegas as the “Capela das Almas” is thought to be the same as the former “ermida do Santo Cristo.”

The Via Covillianae offers another historical perspective. According to Mário Saa, this Roman road passed through Casegas and connected Idanha and Covilhã with Tomar. It facilitated trade in wool, coal, olive oil and salt. Unlike the accounts of the chapels, this history focuses on transport links and the exchange of goods.

Museums and Places by the Water

The Casa Museu Monsenhor Alves Brás spans three floors. Each one presents memories and experiences from the life of Monsenhor Alves Brás. The museum therefore offers a biographical perspective on local history. The Museu de Arte Sacra (Igreja) is also located in Casegas. The two museums have different focuses: personal life history and sacred art.

Local attractions include the Ribeira do Porsim. Casegas is also home to the Parque Fluvial do Lameiro da Ribeira, and there are natural bathing pools along the stream near Casegas. These destinations by the water complement the town’s historical and cultural offerings. If a visit to the water is important to you, check the specific conditions in advance.

Local Cuisine and Events

In 2019, the Forno Comunitário de Casegas was renovated and made available to the community. Traditional cakes were baked there and typical roasts prepared for village festivals. The communal oven is therefore also connected with Casegas’s festive cuisine.

The “Sons da Fraga Dura” festival celebrates traditional music and gastronomy. By 2019, it had reached its tenth edition, organised by the Casa do Povo de Casegas. At that edition, Casegas’s cuisine was showcased with Brulhões, Feijão com couve, Chanfana and other specialities. The BFC Brass Fest also took place in Casegas in 2023. If events are important to your travel plans, check the latest dates before your trip.

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