Sertã is a Portuguese town located in the district of Castelo Branco, subdivided into 10 parishes. It lies in a schist valley, where maritime pines predominate, and more recently, eucalyptus trees. The western edge of the municipality is bathed by the Zêzere River, more specifically by the Cabril, Bouçã and Castelo de Bode dams, while the rest is bathed by the Ribeira da Sertã stream. The town’s highest point is the Serra do Cabeço Rainho mountain range, reaching 1080m.
This magnificent village has witnessed the passage of various peoples throughout the centuries, from Romans and Lusitanians to Arabs, among others, and continues to be inhabited to this day.
There’s even a legend from Sertã known as the Legend of Celina, which tells of a Roman attack on Sertã Castle where the castle’s leader died. When his wife heard the sad news, she was frying eggs in a square frying pan (sertage). To avenge her husband’s death and protect the castle, she climbed to the battlements and, with the pan full of boiling olive oil, poured it over the enemies, forcing them to retreat and preventing them from entering. It is said that this incident is the reason for the city’s name.
If you’re curious to see this famous castle, stop by Sertã and learn about its history firsthand.
