Seia, municipality and city in Portugal
Seia is a mountain town on the southwestern edge of Serra da Estrela, sitting at around 550 meters elevation and partly containing the natural park of that name. It offers wide views of green hills and forests and serves as a starting point for more than a dozen marked trails that wind through mountain villages and natural sites.
Seia was a fortified medieval settlement with a castle, of which only the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Anunciacao remains on its former site today. The town later developed as a supply center for the mountain region and kept its importance through craft traditions and local products like cheese and bread.
The town is deeply tied to its sheep cheese tradition, especially the soft Queijo Serra da Estrela made here for generations. Daily life reflects this through fresh bread, cured meats, and regional wine that appear at tables and local markets as part of ongoing customs.
Spring and summer are best for hiking, while winter brings snow to the peaks and enables winter sports in the higher areas. The town sits about 2 hours from Porto by road and is accessible by car, with several rural lodging options and local museums helping visitors plan their time here.
The Museu do Pao (Bread Museum) displays the history of bread in the region with historic tools, craft techniques, and a collection of breads from different parts of Portugal and the world. Visitors can watch traditional baking arts in action and buy fresh regional bread and pastries directly on site.
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