Boticas

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The municipality of Boticas is in the region of Barroso, a landscape and natural area characterized by a peculiar topography, between high mountains and vast plateaus. In a bucolic and ancestor environment, with unique human, economic and cultural traits, the rural lifestyle of these people is based on the grandeur of the old customs and traditions that they preserve intact. The fauna is particularly well-represented in this area, including the wild boar, the wolf, the fox, the eagle, the partridge or the hare, which makes the region very popular for hunting purposes. The fishermen also found space in the various rivers that cross Barroso, favorable to trout and eel fishing. The importance of water is also evident in the Termas de Carvalhelhos, one of the best known medicinal and salutary waters. This set of conditions provided a very rich gastronomy, among which we find, naturally the barrosã veal-based dishes and also the cozido à moda do Barroso (Barroso stew with meats, blood sausages and cabbage), the smoked meats, the game dishes or the trout stuffed with ham are particularly wanted. Barroso sausages are of protected origin, as well as the honey of Barroso and the famous Vinho dos Mortos (Wine of the Death), much appreciated and with a characteristic flavor and which casual original in 1809 happened thanks to the population burying their wines so they wouldn't fall into the hands of the French invaders. Based on pastoralism, livestock farming and agriculture (rye, corn, chestnut), the region's economy hasn't met a relevant industrial development, due to the geographical characteristics of the territory and to the difficult access. On the other hand, the population tried to ensure their self-sufficiency, which favored the creation of structures like the populations furnaces and mills. These were water powered and are currently restored and open for visits. Today, the geographical barriers have been overcome with the improvement of accessibility, with the proximity of the A24 and A7 railways, and the region enjoys a remarkable growth. In an area with many endogenous resources, the municipality's development strategy is based on three premises. These are tourism, based on the natural, cultural, gastronomic and hunting heritage and in health, in the use of water resources, and in the balanced development of the industrial fabric, having built two business parks in order to attract businesses related to handicraft activities and enhance the investment in this area.