Monastery founded in the 12th century by D. Soeiro and his companions, initially obedient to the Rule of S. Bento. Initially it was used as a male monastery of the Order of Cistercians. The favor of the people and the patronage of the kings who, to their protection, made it a Royal Monastery, brought the growth of the house and its assets. The following parts stand out in its architecture: the medieval tower built between the 12th and 15th centuries with its three floors of cellar and granary, today relatively well-preserved; the monastic buildings from the 18th century that had, …

Planned by Edgar Cardoso and opened in 1963 (although the Works began in 1957), the Arrábida Bridge was one of the more advanced architectonic works of its time. The 270 metres concrete span was, for some years, a world record on this kind of bridges. The arch spire has 52 meters and the roadway rises to 70 meters height. It is said that, at the opening, many photographers and journalists from abroad came to witness an expected tragedy, because it was common sense that the “large” configuration of the bridge would not stand the weight of the vehicles. Today, it …

In this arqueossítio, situated in one of the oldest of the old medieval village arteries, is the longest sequence of human occupation of the city of Porto. The Archeological excavations made it possible to observe, in a thickness of more than three feet deep, 20 archaeological layers, which included architectural ruins and objects since the IV-III centuries BC until the present times. Here were first identified with security, traces of the castro proto-history that was at the origin of the urban center, as well as the medieval and Roman occupations that you succeeded. The remains of dwellings and streets from …

In the flat Alentejo, the idea of ​​a mountain range is like the idea of ​​an oasis in a desert. Well, the Serra de São Mamede Natural Park represents exactly that. From Castelo de Vide to the southeast stretches this magnificent mountain range, the highest south of the Tagus, headed by the Serra de São Mamede (1,025 meters maximum altitude). The Serra de Castelo de Vide (762 meters), the Serra Fria (953 meters), and the Serra do Marvão (867 meters) fill the remaining part of the Natural Park. Morphologically, the park is composed of a layer of granite on the …

Located to the southwest of Moimenta da Beira, the hill grows between the Paiva and Távora rivers and belongs to the Galician-Douro massif. It is 10 km long and reaches its peak at an altitude of 1011 metres. From the peak there are wonderful views of the Tedo, Paiva and Távora valleys, as well as the tops of the Marão, Estrela, Caramulo and Montemuro mountains. Once named Nave Hill, archaeological elements were found here, such as vestiges of roman roads, stones that indicate the presence of fortresses, mamoas and menhirs. The flora includes the pine trees, the Portuguese broom, the …

It belongs to the Old Massif, located in the central country, and it is separated from the Estrela Mountain by the Alva river valley. It is 33 km long and 12 km wide. A part of the Protected Landscape of the Açor Hill, it is mostly composed of schist and has strong but roundish contours. At times there are valleys, water courses and interesting places, such as the waterfalls at Fraga da Pena. In this protected area, also a special note to the Margaraça Woods, of huge natural value, a part of the european network of biogenetic reservations. The vegetation …

Designated a Property of Public Interest in 1978, the village of Piódão is located near the Hermínios Mountains and is one of the oldest settlements in the country, unique for its clustered layout surrounded by an extensive green expanse. The village originated from the need for concentration and settlement of shepherds who lived in the surrounding area. Its landscape and architectural ensemble is remarkable (with schist being the main material used in construction). Due to its difficult access, the village is known as a refuge for notorious criminals. Of particular note are the parish's four chapels: St. John, St. Barbara, …

The first documented references to this temple date back to 1177, when Vela Rodrigues, heir of Egas Moniz and Teresa Afonso, donated his property in Lousada to the Monastery of Salvador de Paço de Sousa. Later, the church's patron saint is documented in 1218 and in the Inquiries of 1258. Despite these references, the current building is of more recent design, possessing quite late elements from the end of the 13th century and even the 14th century. Having undergone renovations in the Modern Era, it retains the nave and the western façade of Romanesque characteristics, attesting to the persistence of …

Climbing Portugal's highest point is a unique and unforgettable challenge, not within everyone's reach. It's a demanding route, even for those experienced in hiking. The hike begins on the west side of the mountain at approximately 1,230 meters above sea level, at the Pico Mountain House. After providing your information to the Madalena Municipal Fire Department, you can begin the 1,100-meter ascent, along a 4,700-meter route, with an incline that reaches 40° in some spots. From the 2,351-meter summit of Piquinho, it's possible, if the sky is clear, to observe all the islands of the central group and an immense …

The living Science Centre Lousal is installed in a building formerly associated with the mining activity that has undergone some adaptations to function as a space for the dissemination of scientific and technological culture. Science Alive. It is a modern and fascinating Centre, where he uses the theme of Georecursos concetual as a gateway for exploration of scientific and technological areas as diverse as geology, chemistry, physics, geophysics, mathematics, engineering, biology, ecology, computer science, computer graphics and the new technologies of communication and image. The Center emphasizes activities, exhibition spaces and experimental, or other moments of communication, which are based …