CULTURAL HERITAGE
SERTÃ CASTLE
Towering over the village, Sertã Castle holds centuries of history and legend. It is said to have been built by the Roman captain Sertorius in 74 BC, forming part of a defense line around the Serra da Estrela. However, archaeological excavations point to a more recent origin, likely during the Islamic period, in the 10th or 11th centuries.
The castle is also linked to the iconic legend of Celinda, the brave heroine who drove out the Romans with a sertage (frying pan) of boiling oil, a story that still gives the village its name.
Over the centuries, the castle faced abandonment and ruin. However, in 1936, one of the towers and the adjacent chapel were rebuilt thanks to the efforts of the local population. In 1999, a renovation project by the City Council breathed new life into this space, now open to visitors and full of symbolism.
GPS coordinates: N 39º 48’17.73″ W 8º 05’55.71″
ROMAN BRIDGE OF SERTÃ
Also known as the Várzea Bridge, Old Bridge or even the Roman Bridge, the Carvalha Bridge crosses the Sertã River and is one of the town's historical symbols.
The current structure was built during the Philippine Dynasty, during the reign of Philip III of Spain, and its construction represented a significant investment for the time, with records indicating values ranging from 19,000 to 45,800 réis. More than just a mere number, the bridge remains a living testament to Sertã's strategic importance and historical evolution, connecting riverbanks, histories, and generations.
GPS coordinates: 39°47’58.88490″N, 8°5’56.35187″W