Cadafaz Gois

Cabreira
Candosa
Capelo
Corterredor
Mestras
Relvas
Sandinha
Tarrastral

Cadafaz is the only principle village of a freguesia to be located away from a river. It is also the highest principle village, at an altitude of just under 600m. The date on the little chapel of São António is 1595, although the village is certainly much older than this –just how old no-one knows . The layout of the village is also different to the other principle villages, as it has very narrow streets and more steps than any other village in the region.

In the centre of the village stands the Igreja Matriz, the mother church of the freguesia, showing a date stone above the west door with the dates of 1606, 1815 and 1855. Historically, the people of Cadafaz were employed in honey production and sheep and goat husbandry. On the land outside the extensively cultivated terraces, there are still visible collections of small xisto buildings that once housed sheep and goats. Although the area is now covered with pine and eucalyptus plantations, originally this area was extensively grazed. The population of the village of Cadafaz was once flourishing, but has now dwindled to around 30 families. At one time the village was legendary for its dances –it still holds four festas throughout the year – including in January the festa in honour of São Sebastião the Martyr, with chestnuts and wine. At Easter there is traditionally a procession through the village, stopping at each house to take food and drink.

Updated 20 November 2007