Traces of large gold holdings, active by vast periods, especially in the Roman period, medieval and modern, admitting that might have known exploration at a time more remote, in Proto-history. Are visible evidence of large open excavations, numerous cut mining galleries and heaps, over a wide area. One of the areas form a pond, which have given rise to the name of the place, "Poço das Freitas".

This hill belongs to the Old Massif and is placed between the Larouco, Cabreira and Marão mountains. To the north, the hill separates the basins of the Cávado and Tâmega rivers. It is also known by the name of Serra as Alturas (Hill of the Heights), it is 8 km long and it is located on the northwest of the Trás-os-Montes region. The Carvalhelhos springs are located there.