The importance of Serra da Estrela sheep and all related activities to the regions agricultural economy is unanimous.
Exhibition Rooms
The Serra da Estrela Sheep Interpretive Centres mission is to preserve, disseminate and increase appreciation for this native breed of sheep and its economic, historical and cultural importance in the Serra da Estrela region.
The roads, the herds and the shepherds
"(...) Despite its rich landscape and glorious history, Beira Alta, in its most ancient and genuine essence, is mountain and crag; it is driven snow, which melts into torrent streams; it is dolmen and hillforts; and migrating shepherds who, from the bottom of the ages, guard and guide sheep (...)", Jaime Cortesão, "Portugal - The Land and the Man", 1996.
The Serra da Estrela Sheep is a species with very distant origins. These sheep evolved from wild forms such as the Ovis aries palustris, the Asian Mouflon - Ovis aries orientalis and the European Mouflon - Ovis aries musimon, the latter of which is thought to have given rise to all European domestic breeds.
"At the start of summer, before heading for the tops of the mountains, sheep and rams would leave their winter coats in the hands of their owners. Washed by powerful arms, then spun, the wool would one day go to the loom (...)". Ferreira de Castro - The Wool and the Snow, 1947.
The art of spinning is one of mankinds oldest endeavours. Thread is the starting point for the whole process of creating fabrics and garments.
Shepherding is one of Mans oldest occupations. It results in specific landscapes, both because of the mark it leaves on the territory and because of the tangible and intangible cultural traditions associated with its actors. Exposed to profound changes (climate, economic and social), shepherding is also capable of resilience, making it important in managing biodiversity and the land.
