Serra da Estrela

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Serra da Estrela (English: Mountain range of the Star) is the highest mountain range in Portugal and includes mainland Portugal's highest peak (Pico mountain in the Portuguese Azores islands is higher), which has a natural altitude of 1993 m (around 6541 feet). However, in 1716 - 1726 the Portuguese king João V ordered the construction of a 7 m tall tower so that the peak could reach 2000 m. The location of this tower is known as "Torre" ("Tower", literally translated).

The mountain range is about 100 km long and is 30 km at its widest point. It is formed from a huge granite ridge that once formed the southern frontier of the country. Due to its bizarrely shaped crags and gorges, mountain streams and lakes, beautiful forests and magnificent views, the area ranks among Portugal’s outstanding scenic attractions. Viriathus, famous Lusitanian leader and Portuguese national hero was born here, precisely in Loriga.

1 Rivers
2 Natural Park
3 Serra da Estrela dog
4 Serra da Estrela cheese
5 History, legends and myths
6 External links

[edit] Rivers

There are two rivers that have their headwaters in the Serra da Estrela: the Mondego, which is the biggest river entirely within Portuguese territory; and the Zezere, which is a tributary to the Tagus.

[edit] Natural Park

The mountain range is now part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and offers plentiful skiing opportunities.

[edit] Serra da Estrela dog

The Serra da Estrela Dog (Cão da Serra da Estrela) is a breed of mountain dog that takes its name from this region.

[edit] Serra da Estrela cheese

Queijo Serra da Estrela (Serra da Estrela cheese) is a cheese from the region of Serra da Estrela.

[edit] History, legends and myths

Viriathus, the famous Lusitanian leader and Portuguese national hero, is said to have been born in the Serra da Estrela, precisely in Loriga. During the Roman Empire, Serra da Estrela was known as Herminius Mons (Mountains of Hermes).

A legend associated with the mountain is mentioned in chaper 41 of the American literary classic, Moby Dick:

"... the prodigies related in old times of the inland Strello mountain in Portugal (near whose top there was said to be a lake in which the wrecks of ships floated up to the surface)..."