Arganil

In Arganil, the history is thousands of years old, as it is witnessed by a megalithic necropolis at Lomba do Canho that would be occupied by a Roman garrison many centuries later. The Monastery of Arganil already existed in 1086 and was transferred to the Mata de Folques around 1190. The territorial wealth of the monastery continued to increase at least until the 17^th century, leading us to believe that the donations were generous. S. Goldorfe, its first priest, was surely aware of this.He was generous and humble, well known for his curative powers. His veneration attracted many god-fearing people. The monastic life in Arganil was not only limited to Folques. The Convent of Santo António of Vila Cova do Alva was solemnly inaugurated in 1723. The end of the religious orders resulted in the convent coming into private hands, and time and will were responsible for irreparable changes. It is also the history that marks the scenery in S. Pedro, a place that got its name from the chapel built in the 13th century. This leads us to Marinha Afonso and her husband, D. Fernando Rodrigues Redondo, who built the Palace of Arganil and this chapel that continues to have St. Peter as its patron saint. The history continues in the words of Father A. Carvalho da Costa, because "...this village has nobles..." who have left us chapels, such as the Capela dos Melos in the main church of Arganil, which was built by Pedro Fonseca, Captain (Mor) of Arganil and Administrator of the Folques Gold Mines. In Arganil we have also the Chapels of Senhor da Agonia, Senhor da Ladeira, the Santissima Trindade and of the Nossa Senhora do Mont'Alto, that mix history and the people's devotion.By the end of the summer, in September, the Senhora do Mont'Alto is the place of devotion. This is also the time for festivities, music bands and good food.

Arganil is well known for its sausages, its rice in the Folques tradition and roasted kid with tender turnip sprouts, home baked bread and the "Tijelada" (egg pudding) that was probably first made in the 17th century in the Monastery of Folques and keep cheering days today.