Casa das Pedras Parideiras

Interpretation Center

To learn more about the Bone Stones, book a guided tour of our Interpretation Center!

In the auditorium, on a three-dimensional journey, you will better understand this “geological treasure”, its unique characteristics in the world and the importance of its preservation. You can also explore the “History of Man in the Arouca Geopark”, complemented by the exhibition section: Iter Hominis.

The Reception/Shop is where the ticket office is located and where you can get tourist information or products from the region. In the outdoor areas of the Open Air Exhibition and the Covered Exhibition, you can see the granite rock.

Casa das Pedras Parideiras is part of route A of the Geosites Route and the Serra da Freita route of the Iter Hominis Interpretation Center.

Covered Exhibition

Auditorium

Reception / Shop

Open Air Exhibition

Coordinates of the Castanheira Coast

Contacts

Opening hours
09:30h at 12:30 | 14:00h at 17:00

Last guided tour
12:00h | 17:00h

Close
January 1
Easter Sunday
December 24 and 25
December 31 afternoon

Price list

Casa das Pedras Parideiras is run by AGA – Associação geoparque Arouca. This unit was inaugurated on November 3, 2012:

Mission

To contribute to the protection, conservation, understanding and appreciation of the Pedras Parideiras;

Contribute to furthering scientific knowledge about this internationally important geosite and Local Natural Monument;

Establish and/or strengthen relations with the local community and the Arouca Geopark territory.

Vision

To be recognized as an institution of excellence and reference by the community, as a promoter of sustainable economic development in the region, through the management of the Arouca Geopark, in accordance with the guidelines of the UNESCO World Geoparks.

Values

Environmental protection;
Sustainable development;
Identity;
Memory;
Social and environmental responsibility;
Quality of services;
Fairness and equal treatment of visitors;
Technical competence and professionalism;
Teamwork and networking.

Get to know

Pedras Parideiras

This is a treasure you can discover in the village of Castanheira, in the heart of the Serra da Feita. The Pedras Parideiras are classified as a geosite of international importance by the UNESCO World Geopark Arouca and a Local Natural Monument.

Geosite of international importance of the UNESCO World Geopark of Arouca and Local Natural Monument.

A Phenomenon

Geology

Among the scientific community, this rock is an enigmatic and highly valuable case study. Geologists call this rock Granito Nodular da Castanheira (Castanheira Nodular Granite), due to the nodules that the granite rock contains, full of particularities that justify its classification as a geosite of international importance, among the 41 of the Arouca Geopark.

A Phenomenon

Cultural

Since time immemorial, this rock has aroused the curiosity of the ancestral peoples of Serra da Freita, as evidenced by nodules found in archaeological excavations near the village. It is also the subject of legends and the inspiration for regional sweets. The mysticism and beliefs surrounding this rock, passed down from generation to generation, led it to become popularly known as “Pedra Parideira”.

Uncover the secrets of the Pedras Parideiras by taking a guided tour of the Interpretation Center – the Casa das Pedras Parideiras (House of the Pedras Parideiras), touring the Aldeia da Castanheira (Village of Castanheira) and/or climbing up to the Panoramic Floor of the Arouca Meteorological Radar. Let yourself be enchanted by Serra da Freita!

Visit us!

Casa das Pedras Parideiras is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is an accessible facility.

We offer guided tours for different audiences, including families, tourist groups and schools. Check out our Castanheira+ program and take part in the activities!