The county of Sátão:
The county of Satão is part of the Dão Lafões Tourism Region, characterized by pinewoods and verdant fields in contrast with granite and schist valleys and highlands crossed by rivers and streams, and also belongs to the Dão Wines Demarcated Region, with its extensive vineyards cultivated on a zone of plateaux.
The remote past of the region is confirmed by the presence of many dolmens and by the pre-historic graves found at Ourigos, and the county itself was founded in the 12th century.
Sátão's long history thus offers a rich architectural patrimony of ancient manor-houses and a large number of churches and chapels displaying rich gilded woodwork.
It is worth visiting the Romanesque Mother Church, with a beautiful sculpted portal, and the stone pillory of Ferreira das Aves, the former Town Hall and pillory of Rio de Moinhos and the church of the ancient Convent of Our Lady of Olive, with fine 17th-century woodwork and panels of tiles and a valuable tabernacle.
Santuary, river and water springs:
The N.S. dos Caminhos sanctuary is one of the biggest religious centres in the region. The magic of the place makes the visitors wish to return again. The Vouga river springs is near the Lapa hill. It´s a wonderful place to make a picnic and swim in the summer. In the Coja river valley, 6 km away, the Cavaca springs is a leafy and pictorial place. The water is good for gall bladder, bowel, rheumatism, hypertension and respiratory diseases treatments.
Gastronomy & wines:
The local gastronomy preserves rural flavours in typical dishes such as veal cooked in a clay casserole or red beans with cabbage and pork, but the county's speciality is a variety of excellent cured meats and sausages, besides the well-known Dão wines.
The Dão wine-growing region produces quality wines with a long tradition. It is 'protected' by the mountains of the Estrela and Caramulo, which are always there in front of you wherever you go, offering a variety of interesting contrasts.
Discover, too, the famous mountain cheese, always accompanied by a glass of Dão wine!
