Of all the amazing things Portugal has to offer visitors, one of the most quirky and curious may be the Casa do Penedo, a house built into rock near Fafe, in the District of Braga in northern Portugal.
The so-called ‘Stone house’ went viral on the internet because people just couldn’t believe this was a real house. Everyone said it was just a photoshop trick, but it actually exists. The architectural style was based on houses from The Flintstones, with the small bungalow being built between two enormous boulders. The stone house's interior is tiny and has a rustic charm that matches the outside.
It has since become an attraction for tourists in the area of Braga, and has even appeared in a Portuguese film called “Moon”. However, it is a private property and has been fenced off to stop people getting too close. Trespassing on the property is strictly prohibited.
How to get to the rock house
From the town of Fafe, you can take the N311 road to Moreira de Rei and head towards Lameirinha just before the Varzea Cova exit. Take care because the road is pretty steep. The house is located in a very secluded area on top of a mountain so you’ll have to walk the last part of the way. There are numerous picturesque walks you can take in the area to enjoy the beautiful Portuguese scenery.