Sertã region and some interesting places to visit
The Region
Serta (formerly Sertago) is a village of about 2,500 inhabitants in the center of Portugal belonging to the Castelo Branco district, Pinhal Interior Sul sub-region. Nesperal, the village where the Albergue do Bonjardim is located, is part of the municipality of Sertã .
Sertã is located in a shale valley, in a forest area with predominance of wild pine, eucalyptus and olive trees. With the river Zêzere and many creeks so close, it is easy to find a beautiful river beach in the municipality of Sertã. It is also an ideal area for nature walks.
More information on Sertã can be found here.
Places of Interest to Visit
- Seminary of the Missions (Cernache do Bonjardim)
- Valley of the Devil (Palhais)
- River Beach Fragas de São Simão
- Trízio Nautical Club
- Roman Bridge of Sertã
- Castle of Sertã
- Troviscal River Beach
- Convent of Christ (Tomar)
Etymology of 'Sertã'
According to the Legend of Celinda, the Castle of Sertã was built in 74 BC by Quintus Sertorius, a Roman exile who, around 80 BC, joined the Lusitanians after being asked to lead them. During the fighting in Lusitania there was an attack on the castle (Sertã) that killed this general giving rise to a legend related to his wife - which led to the current name of the village. According to the story, Celinda was cooking eggs in a sertage (square frying pan) when, hearing the news of her husband's death, and knowing that the enemies were approaching the walls, she went to the walls and heroically poured boiling oil over the attackers so that they were forced to retreat. This story of Celinda's vengeance of her husband's death eventually gave the village its current name, which had hitherto been an unknown.