Schist Villages of Portugal | Aldeias do Xisto
Central Portugal's Schist Villages are being restored and opened for tourism. Schist, an easily split metamorphic rock, is used extensively as a building material in these traditional villages; the network of villages is being repopulated with craftspeople who can demonstrate and sell their handicrafts to tourists, who enjoy the spectacular countryside and restored inns.
Aldieas do Xisto - The Schist Villages Official Page
The official page of the Schist Villages in Portugal can be viewed in English (look for the EN tab at the top). There's an interactive map of the villages and lots of suggestions for what to do.
The official page of the Schist Villages in Portugal can be viewed in English (look for the EN tab at the top). There's an interactive map of the villages and lots of suggestions for what to do.
Schist Walking Trails
The Slate or Xisto Villages’ network is implementing a set of Schist Walking Trails. The following trails have already been opened: Martim Branco, Benfeita, the accessible path of Gondramaz, Foz do Cobrão, Fajão, Casal de S. Simão, Villages of Góis and Água Formosa.
The Slate or Xisto Villages’ network is implementing a set of Schist Walking Trails. The following trails have already been opened: Martim Branco, Benfeita, the accessible path of Gondramaz, Foz do Cobrão, Fajão, Casal de S. Simão, Villages of Góis and Água Formosa.
Janeiro de Cima - A Village in the Schist Villages Network
This Globosapiens travel report by Carla will give you a good idea of what visiting one of the villages of the Schist network is like.
This Globosapiens travel report by Carla will give you a good idea of what visiting one of the villages of the Schist network is like.
The Serra do Açor and Piodão
What to expect on a walk in the mountains of the Serra do Açor, along with pictures of the schist village of Piodão
What to expect on a walk in the mountains of the Serra do Açor, along with pictures of the schist village of Piodão
The hidden villages in the heart of Portugal
A wonderful account of coming across the Schist villages by Alison Jones
A wonderful account of coming across the Schist villages by Alison Jones
Casal de São Simão Story
Find out how one of the villages, Casal de São Simão, was transformed into a modern, yet traditional, Schist Village.
Find out how one of the villages, Casal de São Simão, was transformed into a modern, yet traditional, Schist Village.
Schist
Find out the geological characteristics of schist and why it can be used to make structures like the houses and buildings of the Schist Villages.
Find out the geological characteristics of schist and why it can be used to make structures like the houses and buildings of the Schist Villages.