Serra da Melriça

Serra da Melriça is a small mountain range in central Portugal, in the municipality of Vila de Rei, Castelo Branco District. Locally it is called Picoto da Melriça, and it is best known for carrying the geodetic centre of mainland Portugal. Its highest point reaches 592 metres above sea level.

Where is Serra da Melriça?

The hill rises roughly two to three kilometres north-east of the town of Vila de Rei, beside the national road EN2. The summit lies at about 39.69° N, 8.13° W. The range covers only a modest area, yet it stands clearly above the surrounding landscape, which makes it a natural landmark for the region.

Why does it matter for geodesy?

The mountain's importance comes from the survey marker placed here, designated TF4. Angular observations for every other triangulation point across mainland Portugal began from this one. The marker itself, popularly called Picoto da Melriça, is a masonry first-order triangulation vertex with a three-metre base and a height of around nine metres, erected in 1802. That gives the place both historical and scientific weight.

What can you see at the top?

Next to the marker is the Miradouro do Picoto da Melriça viewpoint, at about 580 metres. It offers a full 360-degree outlook over the hills, forests and valleys of the Pinhal Interior area. Close by stands the Geodesy Museum (Museu da Geodesia), opened in 2002. It is devoted to the historical and scientific legacy of the Portuguese scientists who worked to modernise geodesy in the country.

How to plan a visit

Access by car is easy, since the viewpoint sits right beside the EN2, which crosses the middle of the country. No long hike is needed, so it works well as a short stop on a road trip or as a brief excursion from Vila de Rei. Choose a clear day so the panorama is at its best. Pair the visit to the triangulation marker with the museum to understand how the country was once measured and mapped. Walking routes belonging to the Aldeias do Xisto network run nearby, useful if you plan a longer stay.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Serra da Melriça? Its highest point is 592 m above sea level, and the viewpoint itself sits at about 580 m.

What does Picoto da Melriça mean? It is the local name for the hill and for the geodetic marker standing on its summit.

Is this really the centre of Portugal? Yes, the summit holds the geodetic centre of mainland Portugal, the starting point of the national triangulation network.

When did the museum open? The Geodesy Museum beside the marker opened in 2002.

Do I need to climb? No, the viewpoint is next to the EN2 road and can be reached easily by car.