Wher the tradition remains
A majestic valley marked by vine terraces shows how man dominates the land, flanked by native vegetation, including oak and chestnut trees. At the top, at an altitude of 600 metres, nestled among the terracing is the village of Germil, a typical example of a mountain settlement.
Granite dominates most of the buildings, but some modern houses belonging to emigrants introduce surprising innovations into the landscape of this small village. In Germil, the visitor can see different aspects of community life. Some of the granite granaries near a church dating from 1880 are rather old. An old water mill is yet more proof of how man makes use of the forces of nature. The oxcarts pulled by Barrosãs to the rhythm of their jangling bells are called home and indicate that another day is almost over.
Hens and chicks wander around the village. The small road that continues into the village takes us to Terras de Bouro. A small wood of oaks and chestnuts immediately after Germil is the ideal spot for a short rest before we head back. From here, we can see the beautiful village from another perspective.
The region…
GERMIL AND THE COMMUNITY LIFE
The small village of Germil deserves a visit on foot. The road up there is narrow and winds up the mountain and we can imagine how remote the place would have been before modern roads and means of transport.
At an altitude of about 600 metres, we see the characteristics of a typical mountain village, where greater isolation, in comparison to other villages, forces the population to have a better community spirit.
One of the aspects that the visitor must remember is the fact that in lower areas there is greater distance between houses. As we go up, not only does the distance between villages increase, but their characteristics also change, for instance, the houses are closer together. The village of Germil is one of these examples. With a narrow road that crosses the village in the direction of Terras de Bouro (only recently tarmacked), the whole village is gathered in a tight nucleus in very narrow streets, some of which are covered in vines. The characteristic granite of the villages is everywhere, except in the more modern houses, generally those of emigrants.
Old granaries and a water mill are also signs of the traditions still in use in this small village. The way the cattle is called in at the end of the day, as well as the small areas of cultivation around the village show the strong rural component that still exists today in Germil. In most of the villages, the elderly women commonly wear black clothes.
House | Capacity |
---|---|
Casa José Dias | Pax 2 |
Casa Real Danaia | Pax 2 |
Casa da Eira | Pax 4 |
Casa Nova | Pax 4 |
Casa Real Danaia - Grande | Pax 6 |
From Porto Airport: Follow the motoway A3 in direction to Braga/Valença and leave in direction to “Arcos de Valdevez/Ponte da Barca” at the km 77. After the toll follow the IC28 in direction to “Ponte da Barca” and continue for 16 km until the end of the IC28 where you will find a roundabout. Follow the directions of “Lindoso/Espanha” trough the N203. After 8,5km you will arrive to “Entre Ambos-os-Rios, and after the 1st bridge turn right in direction to “Germil”. Continue for 1,5 km and turn right following the signs to “Germil”. Continue for the EM 1348 for 8 km until arrive to the village of Germil.
GPS Coordinates:
41°46'58.72"N
8°15'54.74"O
Due to their geographical constraints, the Aldeias de Portugal are often not provided with all the equipments and facilities that we usually find in urban centres. To make your stay at Aldeias de Portugal more pleasant we will mention here the facilities and equipments that can be found at the villages and/or surroundings.
In the Aldeias de Portugal many perspectives catch the interest of their visitors. In these villages many constructions and archaeological findings prove us the existence of men thousands of years ago. Folklore is the most genuine, colourful and joyful of Portugal. Also culture, gastronomy, arts, artisans and traditional crafts of ancient times, were kept alive until the day of today.