Welcome to the Nave da Mestra, one of the most beautiful and magical places on the plateau. At 1700 meters of altitude looking like a gigantic ship, it is one of those places well hidden in the bowels of Serra da Estrela, of green fields flanked by fractured granitic blocks that, seriously, are really scary. In the background, a small stream gives a bucolic air to the whole scene.
In the background you can see the glacier valley depression and we know that on the right, between “cântaros” is Covão da Ametade. The Nave da Mestra is also known as Nave da Barca due to the great rock that can be seen there and which is shaped like a boat.
The Nave da Mestra has, since ancient times, served as a shelter for shepherds and their flocks. Today, in addition to the shepherds, it also houses mountain climbers who refresh themselves here and regain strength. To reach the nave, whoever comes from the top must cross a gigantic crack that opens from top to bottom of the boulder.
In the nave there is a construction that catches the eye and clashes with this explosion of nature. The story goes that a judge, Dr. Matos, built his summer vacation home there in 1910. Its construction was made possible by the labor from Manteigas on mules along a path that still exists today, helped by hydraulic jacks used to lift the giant stones, including the one that makes the roof of the house. The work was left to its fate …
There is still a curiosity, it is said that in these parts, in this isolated place, many republicans gathered in their struggles against the monarchical regime.
