In the interior of Portugal, about 250 kilometers from Lisbon and 170 from Porto, there is a village with houses in shale and surrounded by mountains. This small town holds a special connection to World War II, which is repeated every year, on May 7th and this is the only day of the year that touches the bell that is in a tower that rises in the village.
The end of the war comes by phone
Tradition began in 1945, the day Germany Nazi signed the surrender to the allies. In Berlin, the most devastating war in modern history came to an end.
In Benfeita village in Serra do Açor, the news came by phone through an employee of an English company, married to a local inhabitant who immediately shared the information.
Without expecting official confirmation, the village inhabitants touched the church bells to mark the end of the conflict. Residents took to the street in spontaneous celebration, marking the one that would be one of the most important days of the twentieth century. The gesture profoundly marked the collective memory of the community.
Peace Tower: a permanent symbol
The following year, in 1946, the Peace Tower was built in the center of the village, made in shale, characteristic material of the region. Since then, it has been decided that the tower bell would play only once a year, precisely on May 7, in honor of the peace reached.
According to writes, the touch follows a unique ritual: the Badala bell 1,620 times, one for each day of the war. Volunteers take turns to ensure the execution of the touch, which lasts several hours. During this time there are no discourses or parallel events. Only the bell’s severe and compassionate sound interrupts the silence of the mountain.
A tradition with meaning
“Peace in Benfeita hears and feels,” describes the local population. Tradition is annually with the same solemnity for almost 80 years, without interruption, and attracts visitors from various regions of the country interested in watching the ritual.
Benfeita is part of the Schist Village Network and is also standing out for its natural heritage. In the immediate vicinity, Fraga da Pena proves to be a waterfall surrounded by dense vegetation, ideal for walks, observation of nature or outdoor leisure activities.
Botanical Reserve of Mata da Margaraça
Mata da Margaraça, located nearby, is one of the richest botanical reserves in Portugal. With well -signposted rails and a remarkable biodiversity, it offers visitors the possibility of exploring an indigenous forest little altered by human action.
A few kilometers is Piódão, a historic village known for its schist houses and narrow streets. This locality, classified as a heritage of national interest, complements the tourist offer of the region and invites the discovery of the interior of the country.
A river beach in the center of the village
In Benfeita itself, the river beach, located at the junction of the Ribeiras da Mata and Carcave, was recently requalified. Today it has resorts, leisure zones, a multi -sports and sand areas that become a meeting point in the hottest months.
Local gastronomy is another of Benfeita’s business cards. In the establishments of the area, visitors can prove specialties, such as the roast goat, the trout of the local streams, the carqueja rice and various traditional soups. The sausages, cheeses and homemade bread complete the regional menu.
Sweets and traditions at the table
For dessert stands out the typical sweets, such as the young, the cosorons and the shy, made according to old recipes. These delicacies are often served at local parties or seasonal fairs promoted by community associations.
The offering of accommodation includes restored shale houses, rural tourism and family lodges overlooking the valley. Throughout the year there are also events dedicated to heritage, ecology and culture, which keep the connection between tradition and nature alive.
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