The Pedras Talhadas (cut stones), though they look related, are in fact two distinct granite monoliths that rolled downhill coming to position in this curious harmonious setting. These are part of a wide range of very common granite land forms in the hills of Talhadas, originating in the huge granite outcrops characteristic of this region, and can be classified into larger forms, intermediate and detail. The Pedras Talhadas are an excellent example of intermediate forms, in which also integrates the monolith just outside of Talhadas as well as the Moss monolith, close to Silveira village. Of the largest forms, the big monolith at mount Gralheiro with over 20 meters high, the 7 meters oval monolith along the road from mount Gralheiro, and even the curious Inverted Cone monolith at the same location.
The Talhadas mountain has as natural dominant trees the pedunculate oak on its most Atlantic regions, and the cork oak on its thermophilic slopes. The eucalyptus and pine plantations are very common here, being the natural forest kept along the rivers and in small forests that still retain notable species such as the great spotted woodpecker, the columbine and the golden chanterelle. In pine forests, it is often seen red-legged partridge flocks and along the rivers, the camberwell beauty butterfly shows up in graceful flights. In the village of Vilarinho appear the hare’s foot fern, rare fetus, and a Tertiary relic that for the first time was observed in this region.
The name of this locality (Talhadas) originates in the two monoliths that are flanking the EN333 road, and its name dates back to at least the year 1527, when this site was registered in the register as “Cut Stones”. These stones are shrouded in a legend that goes like this: during the general earthquake caused by the death of Christ, a huge granite block rolled down the slope and broke in two, opposite to each other as today still can be seen, allowing the passage of the ancient Roman road. So these stones were baptized as “Cut Stones” or “United Brothers”.
