Soajo, civil parish in Arcos de Valdevez
Soajo is a small village in Portugal, located in Arcos de Valdevez. The settlement spreads down a mountainside near the river Lima and consists of old stone buildings with a quiet, rural character.
The village originates from the rural tradition of northern Portugal and shows deep roots in farming and herding. The place has preserved traditional building methods and ways of life for centuries, still visible in its structures and practices today.
The village is known for its corn storage structures called espigueiros, topped with crosses as protection symbols. These stone buildings still shape the village landscape today and show how farmers once stored their harvest.
The best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are dry and accessible. Wear sturdy shoes for exploring, and allow time for walks along the river and to the natural pools.
The oldest storage buildings date from 1782 and are made of stone, with over two dozen of these structures remaining on a rocky hill. This rare grouping gives an almost complete picture of 18th-century rural storage traditions.
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