Fundada: 16th-Century Pillory & Olive Trails in Beira Interi

The pillory still stands

A 16th-century manueline pelourinho rises from the wide granite slabs of Largo da Igreja, its carved rope and armillary sphere announcing that Fundada once held royal charter. Around it, stone houses carry sun-bleached coats of arms and window boxes of scarlet geraniums; the pavement has been polished smooth by five centuries of shuffling feet.

Charter of 1531

John III signed Fundada into existence in 1531—its very name means “founded”. The parish has served as seat of the municipality since the nineteenth century, though only 552 people remain. The mother church unlocks at nine and stays deliciously cool until six; step inside the side chapel of St Sebastian to see 1755 azulejos that chronicle the last plague. If the sacristan is pottering next door, he’ll let you in.

Cork, oaks and olives

3,654 ha of cork and holm oak roll east towards the Alvaiázere ridge. Between them, centenarian olive trees produce DOP Beira Interior oil. From November to January the cooperative press (tel. +351 274 889 214) receives the harvest; follow the 8 km yellow-blazed Olive Trail that starts behind the church, but pack water—there isn’t a spring along the route.

Where to eat

O Forno do Pão (Rua da Escola 4) roasts kid on Wednesdays and Sundays—book on 274 889 200. Moura’s grocery tins 500 g of cracked IGP galega olives for €4, while the Central Cheese Shop next door sells oak-smoked chouriço at €12 a kilo.

Walking on

The PR2 footpath (12 km) descends through pine and heather to Pego da Rainha, a river-pool watched by lifeguards in July and August. The return bus leaves at 17:10 (€1.95). The historic centre is three streets wide; half an hour covers it. Wi-Fi is free in the library (Mon–Fri 14:00–17:00); the café opens at seven and closes when the last customer leaves.