5 Houses Água Formosa - Aldeia de Xisto

The accommodation

The Água Formosa Houses are located near a small stream that flows into the Ribeira da Galega that crosses the village of Agua Formosa. On the outside it retains its original character. Inside the decor is contemporary and comfortable. In addition to the massive walls of clay and shale, the house has doors and windows with high thermal and acoustic insulation.

Setting

The village of Agua Formosa is documented as one of the oldest in the region of Vila de Rei. The region was created by royal charter of King Dinis on September 19, 1285, with very old records of its foundation remaining. From the fourteenth century, the Knights Templar and the Order of Christ contributed to the settlement, defence and development of these lands. Later, in 1513, King Manuel I renewed the charter.

The Celts and later the Romans were the first known inhabitants, who were particularly

Activities and attractions

The Ribeira da Galega that crosses the village became the driving force of the the livelihoods of the inhabitants. It allowed numerous gardens to be created and cultivated along its banks. For this large walls were built in shale to control the force of the water and at the same time cultivate more land, using soil that was brought from the surrounding forests for the cultivation of vegetables and cereals.

The water of Ribeira da Galega was dammed and channelled though ditches, sometimes carved in rock, helping irrigate gardens and and power water mills for milling cereals to make flour from corn flour, rye, wheat and barley.

North of Agua Formosa there is the Lagar de Água Alta (high water mill), and to the south of the Lagar da Ferrugenta (rusty mill) which was renovated in 1953 for a hydraulic press.

Along the river there are numerous weirs; small dams that are known as ponds. There's Otter Pond, Hunter Pond, Mill Pond, among others. Their role was to raise the water level and drive it further, while creating a small reservoir which served as a water tank in the summer. At the same time the effect

Of waterfalls created water reserve that served for watering, washing of clothes and baths.
Within a few hundred meters mines full of water can be found in the hillsides.

Fauna and Flora

Along the river one can see large numbers of birds and a fish that can only be found in Portugal, the Boga (Rutilus lusitanicus), but also other more common species like the Mediterranean turtle (Mauremys leprous) which attests to the purity of the water. Recently otters (Lutra lutra) have been sighted again which is sign that wildlife is recovering its territory, in balance with the human population which has declined.

In the forest, as well as the predominant wild pine (Pinus pinaster), many other species of tree can be found. We highlight the medronheiro (Arbutus unedo), elsewhere known as the "strawberry tree", which continues to be used to make a splendid traditional spirit.

In addition, the pleasant smell of rosemary, rock rose, heather or even eucalyptus, make walks into moments of pure pleasure for body and soul.

Agua Formosa being located in the geographic center of Portugal (Vila de Rei) makes it the most southerly shale village of Portugal. It is closer to the capital makes it the gateway for those coming from the South to meet the network of 27 villages, or to finish off a trip for those who come from the north.

Whatever direction one may come from, a great visit to this charming Village is
guaranteed.