Sertã Medieval bridge
Some call it Romana, others Filipina, the truth is that the bridge was built at the beginning of the 16th century, under the Spanish rule of Filipe, to replace a ruined Roman bridge.
Right in the center of Sertã, it is now a pedestrian bridge.
Lagar da Vara
The most pleasant place in the city is a large park, where most of the social and cultural activity is concentrated. Among the various decorative elements, this very careful copy of the traditional olive press stands out.
Alameda da Carvalha
A leafy avenue is the central part of the park, leading to the medieval bridge. Attached to the mill is a replica of a traditional oven.
Castle
At the highest point of the city, as usual, stands the castle. Supposedly built in the 1st century BC, it is now somewhat discreet, with a rare pentagonal structure and chapel of S. João Batista, from the end of the 15th century as the main details.
Pillory
On a high point next to the castle, and enjoying good views, the remains of the destroyed pillory were used for a reconstruction in 1937. It looks good, in the place!
S. Pedro Main church
Built in the early 15th century in the Gothic style, it is complemented with Mannerist details.
Misericórdia
Built in the early 16th century, its most interesting details are the gilded altar and 18th-century tiles.
Cultural center
In the center of the city stands out a modern building, which is the House of Culture. Shows and cultural events are organized there, and it also houses the Tourist Office.
Ponte Velha
Ponte Velha
With an excellent location and better exterior and interior appearance, the feeling at the entrance was good.
The service too, despite the fact that, being a party day with busy restaurants, some confusion was predictable that we didn’t notice.
The objective was to eat the traditional maranhos (see Gastronomy pane), and that’s what we all did, with pleasure. However, we came to know that there was a competition going on, and our restaurant only managed the 3rd place.
Reasonable price only inflated by choosing a top wine.
Site: Ponte Velha
Saint Anthony convent
Saint Anthony convent
Built in the 17th century as a Franciscan convent, with the extinction of the monastic orders in the 19th century it passed to private individuals, until the City Council bought it in the 1920s, for installation of militarized forces and jail.
In 2013 it was converted into a hotel, respecting the historic image.
Site: Hotel
Ribeira Grande river beach
Located deep in the interior of the country, with hot and dry summers, it is not surprising the work that was done to use the small watercourse in the creation of a bathing area. We didn’t get to go there (we didn’t have much time and it was very hot), but considering the number of towels over our shoulders we didn’t doubt how much people use them.
Maranhos
There are traditional recipes that can be copied at home, others are better not to think about.
This is the case of the maranhos, a tradition from Beira Baixa, closely linked to Sertã, which could perhaps be considered the greatest local attraction.
Therefore, maranhos are to be eaten in Sertã, but if you’re curious to know how they’re made, let’s try to explain:
With a very well washed goat or sheep tripe, a bag is made, cooking with a line.
Goat or lamb meat is mixed, streaky, ham and chorizo all in tiny pieces, white wine, olive oil, raw rice, and minced mint.
Fill the bag with the mixture without filling it too much and close it.
Bake in water and salt between 1 hour and an hour and a half.
Serve with a good regional wine.
