Carregal do Sal

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Located on a plateau of the central Beira Alta region, between the mountains of Serra da Estrela and Serra do Caramulo, the county of Carregal do Sal boasts of a diversified patrimony which includes many archaeological remains, noble manor-houses, churches and villages with an historical past.

The region's most important pre-historic monument is the Dolmen of Lapa da Orca, at Fiais da Telha, with a polygonal chamber more than three metres high, which has been classified as a national monument.

At the ancient village of Oliveira do Conde, several emblazoned manors are wonderful examples of rural stately homes, such as the 16th-century Solar dos Albergarias, whereas the Mother Church has a Gothic chapel sheltering the magnificent 15th-century tomb of a knight, elaborately carved in white stone.

Another picturesque village is Cabanas de Viriato, which claims to have been the birthplace of Viriatus, the famous chief of the Lusitanian tribe who fought against the Romans, although this is unlikely, and also displays remains of noble manors.

Across the county, several stone pillories deserve to be admired, such as the ones at Carregal do Sal and Oliveira do Conde.

Local handicrafts include a variety of objects in forged iron, tin-work, hand-painted tiles and works in wood.

At table, Carregal do Sal offers visitors several typical dishes, namely an excellent roast kid, rabbit stew and eels.

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