History

In January 1937, the Batista Pension was built, owned by José Manuel Batista. This new guesthouse in Pedras Salgadas was “built” by Eng. M. J. Canela, in the 20th century, and the main clients of this guesthouse were Africans, Brazilians and Portuguese tourists who visited this region of Portugal, mainly, to enjoy the thermal baths.

In 1969, 32 years after the construction of Pensão Batista, it was sold to the couple Maria Luísa Rodrigues Vital and Domingos Augusto Fontes, and since then it has been called Pensão Fontes. Although customers reside at the establishment, the couple's children and grandchildren were also raised at Pensão Fontes, so the family aspect and the proximity service have always been very particular and inherent characteristics of the space.

The services that this Pension provided to the public were overnight stays and catering. Pensão Fontes has become especially known for its rich and delicious lunches and dinners, much appreciated not only by locals but also by visitors. A humble and no-frills guesthouse, it welcomed all guests regardless of their social class, with delightful friendliness, which maintained a good family atmosphere among customers, owners, employees, neighbors and friends.

In addition to the thermal baths, many people sought out Pensão Fontes when horse riding competitions were held in Romanas or as accommodation support for participants in the Tour of Portugal by bicycle.
There were therefore many moments that Pensão Fontes helped to make even more special: weddings, baptisms, family and friends gatherings, in short, slices of life.

On May 31, 2010, Pensão Fontes was closed for renovations for a period of two years, with the aim of improving and ensuring better conditions for its customers, for all those who had followed Pensão Fontes' journey up until then, as well as to attract new visitors and customers to these parts.
The doors of Pensão Fontes reopened on August 5, 2012, with new management: Maria Luísa Vital Fontes and João Francisco Fontes Pereira, daughter and grandson of the former owners Maria Luísa and Domingos Augusto.

Thus, Casa Fontes was born, a new space within another full of memories, moments, and longing, with the great purpose of continuing a family project of greater importance, but with a more modern and current aspect. All this, to be able to continue providing pleasant and memorable experiences in a more comfortable and comfortable way. From the old, new became new and the dream continued to grow.

The original design of Pensão Fontes was maintained, as well as the red color of the doors and windows that open warmly to welcome those who pass by and those who arrive. The interior has been completely rebuilt, giving way to spaces that breathe modernity, although combined with the typical and traditional elements that the current owners, fortunately, insist on not letting disappear.

12 rooms, a snack room and bar, leisure room with fireplace, terrace and the added value of being positioned as a BIKOTEL, also being the second accommodation unit in the Trás-os-Montes region with a digital tourist itinerary through which guests can follow the walking and mountain bike routes on GPS, leaving and arriving at Casa Fontes.

This is Casa Fontes, our House and your House.
Come and meet us! We are here for you and for you!