The parish had its beginning in the 13th century, when the area was then referred to as Aldeia da Mata, and recognized for the quantity of wood gathered in the district. It was also recognized for the land rents obtained from cultivation and harvesting of olive and pine trees. The parochial church, dedicated to Santa Maria Madalena had its origin in the 18th century. A marble cross was located near the two fountains of São João and São José, and later restored in 1850. The construction of the Barregem do Castelo do Bode in 1951, caused the disappearance of the fields of olive trees which were lost to make way for the new reservoir.
Geography
The parish is located in the northeastern part of the municipality, neighboring the parishes of Souto, Martinchel, São Vicente and Rio de Moinhos and with the municipalities of Tomar and Constância. It contains the localities Aldeia do Mato, Bairros Cimeiro, Cabeça Gorda, Carreira do Mato, Casinha, Fundeiro, Medroa, Pucariça, Vale de Chões and Vale Manso.
Ecoregions/Protected areas
Recreational and Leisure Nautical Park of Aldeia do Mato, opened from 1 May to 31 October, the recreational park is concentrated on the Castelo do Bode Reservoir which, in addition to producing electrical power, has been the centre of the community since it was constructed. The Recreational and Leisure Nautical Park attracts tourists from within the country, owing to biodiversity, water sports, and recent developments that have attracted new tourists, including hiking trails, motocrossing, repelling and other trips orientated towards the more adventurous;
* Beach of Cabeça Gorda;
* Beach of Bairro Fundeiro
* Beach of Aldeia do Mato
Economy
Between 50-60 percent of the lands in the parish remain dedicated to cultivation of trees for harvesting, primarily pine but gradually eucalyptus, for its rapid growth.
Architecture
Civic
Fountain of São João
Fountain of São José
Religious
Cross of Aldeia do Mato, located in the Largo da Cruzeiro, it was reconstructed during the 20th century;
Church of Carreira do Mato, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Mary, located in Carreira do Mato, and constructed from a historic chapel on the same site;
Church of Pucariça
Culture
The region is known for its culinary; in addition to several restaurants, the local peoples of the region are known for their broas de santos and bolo de fugas. Locally, the annual festival season is marked by the festival of Aldeia do Mato, Cabeça Gorda, and the festival of Carreira do Mato.
