With about 60 km2 and 47 archaeological sites identified, the Terva Valley Archaeological Park (TVAP), justifies several visits to Boticas. The Interpretive Centre (TVAPIC), of the joint project between the Municipality of Boticas and the University of Minho, is located in the village of Bobadela and is the entrance to the park. The exhibition content provides a bridge to the enjoyment of the landscape and heritage, proposed through themed routes.
TVAP IS A JOINT PROJECT BETWEEN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BOTICAS AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MINHO.
Terra Callaeci has selected 5 sites in the TVAP with walks shorter than 1 km (return trip not included) that you will want to visit.
Settlement of Batocas
Near the village of Ardãos, the Roman settlement of Batocas (Mines Route), currently undergoing archaeological studies, is always a good option for a walk. It is only 900 metres from the road that goes to Seara Velha and the trail is very beautiful.
Location
Brejo Lagoon
The Brejo Lagoon (Nature Route), the result of an old open-cast mining operation, is currently an extraordinary ecological niche, where floristic and faunistic species of great value for the knowledge of the biodiversity of the River Terva Valley come together in a very particular way. It is about 750 metres from TVAPIC.
Ancient Rock Carvings of Souto Escuro
Also near the village of Bobadela is the most important set of rock carvings in the municipality, the Rock Carvings of Souto Escuro 1 (Ancient Rock Carvings Route), which are impressive for their monumental scale and art. The 500-metre footpath is not signposted on the ground, but the TC helps you get there!
The use of a GPS navigation system or equivalent smartphone application is recommended. Coordinates: N 41.72397° W7.62765°.
Hillfort of Sapelos
The Hillfort of Sapelos (Hillforts Route) is located on a promontory on an elongated spur, which benefits from a privileged view over most of the Upper River Terva Valley. This site is on the The 10 most spectacular views of Boticas. About 700 metres from the national 103 road. We recommend that you park your car near the Sapelos bus stop (concrete construction), 200 metres from the start of the signposted route.
Location
Hillfort of Cabeço
On a hillock in the middle of the southern slope of the Leiranco mountain range, dominating the wide vein that stretches as far as the River Terva from Bobadela to Boticas, stands the Hillfort of Cabeço, a settlement defended by three robust lines of surrounding walls, preceded on the eastern side by a wide, deep ditch, with an outer slope. The site is located 500 m from the national 103 road, after the village of Sapiãos (towards Montalegre).
Location
Maps with the information essential for carrying out the tours are available at the TVAP Interpretation Centre in Bobadela.
The dirt roads are not suitable for light vehicles.
Tiago Rodrigues
Born in Lisbon, he left the capital for a village in Barroso, where he has developed projects with various local institutions. He is a graphic designer and art editor at UMinho Editora. In 2017, he founded Terra Callaeci, a project dedicated to the promotion of the cultural landscape of Trás-os-Montes, as a construction of the people who inhabited (and inhabit) it.
