An acute angle lies over Montemor-o-Velho among rice fields and gardens. From east to west, the heights grow as we reach the Serra da Estrela, the highest peak of Portugal. To the south of it, the tectonic depression of Cova da Beira separates the Hermínio mountains from the Gardunha heights that surround Alpedrinha, Castelo Novo and S. Vicente da Beira which are very close, yet so different. Near Piódão schist lies everywhere up to the river Alva where Avô (grandfather) invites for a terrific view. It is a minute village where tradition is kept untouched.
As we travel south and get nearer to the Alentejo, the climate tends to become drier and water scarce. An exception, of course, are the mountains a little more to the North. In the central ridge flocks of sheep (very important to the region's industry) wander, searching for Summer herbage or, if in colder seasons, descend to the base of the mountains. We can find goats too, but in fewer number.
A great variety of cultivation makes Cova da Beira produce abundantly the famous olive oil of the region as well as fruit, cereals, potatoes and vegetables. The olive trees also exist on the banks of the river Mondego as well as corn and wine. Lastly, rice, in the lower valley, struggles for survival since it occupies an area rich in sand that is driven time to time by the occasional floodings.
As usual granite and schist still dominate the area, giving a northern touch to the architecture and view. The justification to the variety of land resides in the fact that it is still of the fourth, third and second formation. Therefore, it is one of the best regions to plant and cultivate on. As you can see further on, in the Alentejo, the opposite occurs due to the dry inlands.
The water area that is shown on the icon above is an affluent called Zêzere which is river Tagus's first division branch.
