As one walks into the “Inverneira” of “Pontes” one sees a small group of temporary residences, which are only used during the coldest months of the year. The “inverneiras” are located in the most sheltered parts of the valleys, as opposed to “brandas”, where people live during the warmer months, and which are located on the fringes of the plateau in the highest areas.
This system of temporary residence, which originated through the need to overcome the rigorous winters and maximize the usage of pasture areas and agricultural land, gave to Castro Laboreiro a unique type of livelihood that cannot be compared to anywhere else. Today, migration of cattle or transhumance from “Brandas” to “Inverneiras” is less frequent. Owing, in part, to the milder climate and the continuing abandonment of agricultural practices and cattle rearing. Still, some families keep this age-old tradition alive, moving from one residence to the other, with all their belongings and animals. Where we now stand, Pontes, and depending on the time of year one can either find the place completely empty, without any animals or inhabitants. It is worth enjoying and observing the strange tranquillity. At the entrance to Pontes, there is a communal oven, built in a granite boulder, evidence of communal relationships, and interdependence, which is common in the communities of this region.