City of Calcedonia Trail
The Fenda da Calcedonia, is the biggest crack in Portugal
This route, of Historical and Landscape scope, develops in the territory of the parish of Covide and presents a distinct historical-cultural repertoire, due to its community traditions and archaeological remains. The City of Calcedonia Trail allows a visit to the place where there was a fortified settlement from the Iron Age and later occupied by the Romans, called Chalcedonia, which is currently diluted in an intensely granite landscape. It is believed that this village was of exceptional importance, because in addition to its large dimensions, it was built in a place of difficult access, surrounded by labyrinthine tunnels, in an attempt to confuse the enemy. Today, walking through the area of Calcedónia it is still possible to find traces of walls or some ceramic fragment.
Recommended seasons
Spring and fall. Avoid days with a lot of rain, snow or fog, as well as days with a lot of heat, as the bushes are dominant. Not recommended for people with physical difficulties or with no experience in mountain walking.
Spring - the colors of heather, broom and gorse are at their peak during the flowering season. In the morning and at the end of the day, relax listening to the birds singing.
Summer – enjoy the cool spots along the route. Autumn – enjoy the splendor of autumn colors or hunt for mushrooms in the oak groves.
Winter – oaks show their twisted branches, changing the visual landscape of the woods. On cold mornings you can still hear the morning choruses of birds.
More information
Starting pointCalvário, Covide – road N307, near the cross with N304
Arrival point The starting point
Cumulative climb 513 m
Cumulative descent -514 m
Type Circular
