Serra da Lousã
The Legend of Princess Peralta
The Moorish king Arunce built a hidden castle in the mountains to protect his daughter, Princess Peralta. When the Christian prince Lausus invaded Conímbriga, the two fell in love at first sight. Fleeing to the castle of Lousã, the king and princess hid with their riches. Lausus searched desperately for her, but never found her. It is said that even today you can hear the sobs of the princess imprisoned in the castle, waiting for her beloved.
Serra do Açor
The Chestnut Tree and the Boy from Ladeira
A boy found shelter under an old chestnut tree during a storm. The tree, touched by the child's innocence, came to life and protected him. Since then, the chestnut tree has been a symbol of protection and wisdom in Arganil.
Serra da Estrela
The sheppard and the star
The legend of Serra da Estrela tells that a shepherd followed a star to the highest point of the mountain range, where he was so fascinated that he decided to live there. When he tried to take his star to the king, he refused the offer of riches in exchange for the star, which made her happy and caused her to sing for him. The mountain range, in memory of the friendship between the shepherd and the star, came to be called Serra da Estrela, a name that remains to this day.
Legend of Viriato
The shepherd from Serra da Estrela who became a legend
Many centuries ago, in the mountains of Lusitania, a land that today forms a large part of Portugal, lived a fearless and resilient people: the Lusitanians. Renowned for their bravery and connection to the land, these warriors were also shepherds and hunters, heirs to ancient cultures. Among them emerged Viriato, who, according to tradition, was a shepherd in the valleys of Serra da Estrela before becoming a warrior.
When the Romans, seeking to expand their power and territory, betrayed the Lusitanians in a massacre, only a few survived slavery and death. Among them was Viriato, who through his merits and achievements became leader of the Lusitanians. Known for his guerrilla and ambush tactics, he constantly surprised the Romans with swift attacks and innovative strategies. His leadership managed to maintain Lusitanian independence for years, uniting thousands of warriors under the goal of winning freedom for their land. The image of the shepherd who became a brilliant strategist became a legend that lives on today.
Unfortunately, Viriato was assassinated in 139 BC while he slept, betrayed by allies bribed by the Romans. With his death, the longest-lasting Lusitanian resistance came to an end, but his legacy lives on as an example of courage and unity, inspiring generations.
