S. Simão

There have been traces of human presence in the territory of the Schist Villages since prehistoric times, proof of this is the discovery of artifacts dating from the Bronze Age and the cave paintings located in the village of Barroca on the banks of the river Zêzere. Like in other parts of the Iberian Peninsula; the Romans, the barbarians and the Moors left traces of their presence, for example in topography and architecture. Only in the medieval era did the people settle in the mountainous lands. Some villages arose through the action of religious orders, others through pastoral activities, commerce and even Sarzedas founded by royal decree.