FAQ’s

Casa das Pedras Parideiras welcomes visitors and holds guided tours from Monday to Sunday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5pm. The last guided tours (for a maximum of 30 people) take place at 12 noon in the morning and 5pm in the afternoon.

We are closed on January 1st, Easter Sunday, December 24th and 25th and the afternoon of December 31st.

No. In the village of Castanheira you will find the Casa das Pedras Parideiras - Interpretation Center, which consists of the following areas: (i) Open-air exhibition - an area with free access where you can observe the Parideiras; (ii) Covered exhibition - an area with free access, but with limited access if guided tours are taking place in this Interpretation Center. Here you can also see the Boulders; (iii) Reception and Shop - where you can get information about the Boulders and the rest of the Arouca Geopark, see Boulder nodules and buy local products; (iv) Auditorium where the guided tours take place, explaining the Boulders and/or the history of Man in the Arouca Geopark.

Yes, you can visit the Pedras Parideiras Open Air Exhibition area on your own. We recommend that you take a look at the interpretive panel on site and access the geosite information via the QR Code available on the flag identifying the site. Entry to the Casa das Pedras Parideiras reception, during opening hours, is free and here you'll find more information about this geological phenomenon.

If guided tours are taking place, access to the Covered Exhibition Area may be temporarily restricted. Access to this area will be allowed after the end of the visit.

No. This is a geological phenomenon of international importance to the Arouca Geopark. AGA - Associação Geoparque Arouca is therefore committed to ensuring that this geological heritage is safeguarded. We would like to point out that the sale of heritage is punishable by a fine under national law.

Yes, Casa das Pedras Parideiras (CPP) is accessible. Access to the Reception and Shop is from the balcony of the CPP. Access to the Auditorium is via Rua de Santo António and the east door of the Auditorium, requiring some assistance due to the slope of the street. We therefore recommend that you contact our services in advance to provide the best support for your visit.

No. Access is restricted to those on guided tours. The nearest public toilets are in the Albergaria da Serra Recreation and Leisure Area (40.865783, -8.277308) or Merujal Picnic Park (40.871413, -8.288341).

The Casa das Pedras Parideiras - Interpretation Center is managed by AGA - Associação Geoparque Arouca, as are the guided tours of the Panoramic Floor of the Arouca Meteorological Radar. This time, AGA's Board of Directors approved discounts for young people, seniors, families, residents of the municipality of Arouca (accompanied by proof of residence), partners based in the Montanhas Mágicas area and holders of vouchers (for accommodation in AGA member units or for distribution as part of one-off events or projects). Check the current price list and/or contact our services.

Yes, during guided tours you can access the Panoramic Floor of the Arouca Meteorological Radar via the elevator.

Yes. In the low season, visits are by appointment only and for a minimum group of 12 people. In the summer, there are several visiting times available, but they are limited to 30 people, so you should schedule your visit to ensure that you can visit this infrastructure.

Yes, by prior appointment, subject to availability and for a minimum of 12 people. Occasionally there are themed/interpreted visits which you can sign up for individually. We suggest you contact the services for more information.