Gyrovagus, a project by Teatro do Frio, presents image-based, sensory, and sound performances inspired by bicycle expeditions across Portugal. Atelier Peninsular was invited to participate in the research residency, providing an opportunity to explore and understand the territories. Through anchor themes such as geomorphology and landscape, the route is shaped to be traversed by bicycle, both in physical form and in scenic experience.

LANDSCAPE 

Connecting the anchor points that define the vectors of the excursion, Aguda - Vila Nova de Famalicão - São Pedro do Sul - Coimbra - Aguda, a curve is drawn that, starting at the beach by the ocean, traveling through the inland terrain before meeting the ocean again.

GEOMORPHOLOGY

The region traversed can be understood through the relationship of four geomorphological domains: Plateau surface; Central plateaus; Central mountains; Western fringe.

The plateau surface is a well-preserved, level area that constitutes the oldest relief unit of the peninsula. The central plateaus consist of flat regions, varying in size, that are carved and defined by the river network. The western mountains are characterized by elevations with narrow or non-existent flattened areas, a result of intense erosion. The two central domains of the area, the plateaus and the mountains, are primarily separated by a large fault in the ancient massif, known as the fringe, which remains visible today.

ROUTE

Starting in Aguda, the first stretch begins by the ocean, at the northern tip of the western fringe. The route to Vila Nova de Famalicão crosses successive marks of significant relief transformation.

Before reaching the Douro River, the path moves into the ancient massif, crossing a fault that, from Porto to the south, marks the ancient subsidence of the Hercynian base, sunken beneath the limestone and sands of this fringe.

The route to São Pedro do Sul aligns with this band, traversing the schists and greywackes of the ancient massif. Being one of the largest outcrops, running between the Douro and Castro Daire, it presents as a narrow band in the same direction, almost uninhabited between Valongo and Castro Daire. This route crosses the Paiva River near Castro Daire and ends at the Vouga River, in São Pedro do Sul.

The descent from São Pedro do Sul to Coimbra will cross a large part of the western mountains. Descending through the Mondego system and crossing the Serra do Caramulo, the path will reach Coimbra, at the Mondego River. From here, heading north to the ocean at Aguda, the route will pass through a zone where the deepest Precambrian base is revealed sporadically in this fault.