Montalegre

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The highlands of Barroso, which include the mountains of Ger�s, Larouco and Barroso, are a remote zone of heather hillsides and woods of oaks cut by rivers and streams, numerous waterfalls and several dams, of which the largest, Barragem do Alto Rabag�o, attracts many fans of fishing and water sports to its artificial lakes.

The seat of the county, Montalegre, is dominated by an imposing 14th-century castle, built on the site of a previous fortified construction, with an imposing keep rising more than 27 metres tall. Nestled at its foot, the old town displays granite buildings and the graceful Miserichord Chapel.

One of the county's most curious sites are the ruins of the Pit�es das J�nias monastery, dating from 1174 and rising isolated on a wild and beautiful landscape, crossed by a stream which ends in a romantic cascade.

Across the county, there are several interesting Pre-historic and Roman remains, such as the cromlechs of Veiga or the milestones of the Roman Way linking Braga to Chaves.

Also worth visiting are the Romanesque churches of S�o Vicente da Ch� and of Viade, the ancient Misarela Bridge near the village of Sidr�s and several noble houses, such as the palace of Vilar de Perdizes or the manors at Tour�m and Vila da Ponte.

Montalegre's handicrafts reflect the county's rural character and visitors may still find rustic capes of woollen cloth and wood clogs, besides more delicate crafts such as lace and embroidered linen.

As for the gastronomy, besides the renowned roast barros� veal, from calves bred on the mountainous slopes, there are excellent dishes of pork and kid and delicious trout, often stuffed with the local ham.

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