Fundão

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Situated in the center of Portugal, in the region of Cova da Beira, the county of Fundão was founded in 1747 by order of D. João V, saving him from the greed of Spain's king D. Filipe II. According to traces found, the human presence dates back to prehistory in these lands, although its intensive settlement is due to the influence of the Templar Knights in the 12th century. With the reception of the Jews expelled from Spain in the late 15th century, the commerce, industry and importance of Fundão won strong impetus, having those contributed to the foundation of important neighborhoods and of Rua da Cale, a commerce center still today. In the 16th century the Inquisition came to put an end to this prosperity with the persecution of Jews and new Christians, whose names still linger in its inhabitants. In the late 18th century, with the assimilation of new and old Christians, Marquês de Pombal tried to regain relevance in the region with the foundation of the Real Fábrica de Lanifícios (Royal Factory of Wool), today the town hall, and the implementation of other looms and factories that made the tissues of Portugal become famous. However, the 19th century was a period of regression for the county due to the French invasions. Fundão is nowadays an important commerce, industry and services center. For this will have contributed the fertility of the region, which produces cherry and sour cherry, peach, olive oil and wine, as well as the timber, glass and textiles industry. It is important to point out the existence of tungsten, lead and tin mines and also the existence of silver and gold. The climate is Mediterranean with continental influences and considerable thermal amplitudes, in part due to the Serra da Estrela's proximity, being the county traversed by two important rivers: Zêzere and Pônsul. The inheritance of these lands is mirrored in the crafts produced there: bumble bees, adufes (Moorish tambourines), pottery, Moorish tile, lace and embroidery, as well as in gastronomy, with which the fundanenses welcome their visitors.