São Gens combines historical heritage, tradition, and unique archaeological remains, standing out for the emblematic archaeological site of Fornotelheiro.
About a thousand years ago, a small rural community lived and worked in a bend of the Mondego River, in the parish of Fornotelheiro, municipality of Celorico da Beira, just a few steps from the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Archaeology has revealed that, in addition to agricultural activities, these farmers were specialized in deer hunting and processing their skins. Faunal remains found during excavations at São Gens show a hunting technique that allowed deer to be captured without damaging the skin, thus preserving its value. The medieval archaeological site includes both the settlement and a rock-cut necropolis, organized around the so-called “Bell Stone”, offering today a fascinating window into the life and knowledge of ancient communities in the region.
