Rio Maior

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The municipality of Rio Maior, bordered to the North by the Natural Park of Serra d'Aire and Candeeiros, is located between the Ribatejo and the coastline and is crossed by several water lines, being the most relevant one that gave him the name: the rio Maior. Natural resources abound and are scattered throughout the municipality, as the caves, dens and in particular the Salinas fountain of Bica, contributing for centuries to the economic development of the region. The Villa Romana and the dolmen of Alcobertas are two must-see, testimonies of human settlement in this territory, which spans the period Paleolithic, Neolithic, Roman and Arabic occupation. Under cultural, Rural Museum of Blacksmithing and the Rural and Ethnographic Museum give you to know the most significant cultural and rural heritage of Rio Maior. Tasquinhas fair and the national fair of the Onion marked the cultural and festive agenda. Are the mirror of conviviality, gastronomy and fine wine of the region; the second is including the oldest fair River-maiorense, which has been held since the 18th century.

What to do in Rio Maior

Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros

Rio Maior

If one did not know the Aire and Candeeiros Hills, one could believe that their elevations at 577 and 613 metres, respectively, meant nothing extraordinary in terms of landscape. Nonetheless, this massif that spreads between Ourém, to the north, and Rio Maior, to the south, is a true kingdom of stone (calcareous) that totally stands out from the green farmlands …

Ecomuseu Salinas de Rio Maior

Rio Maior

O Ecomuseu das Salinas de Rio Maior situa-se a cerca de 3 km do centro da cidade e encaixa-se num vale no sopé da Serra dos Candeeiros, em pleno Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. Classificadas como Imóvel de Interesse Público desde Dezembro de 1997, estas salinas são as únicas Salinas de interior existentes em Portugal. A primeira …

Museu Rural e Etnográfico de São João da Ribeira

Rio Maior

Located in an old mill, this museum is open to the public since 1993 and intends to make known the utensils, clothes and everything that has been characteristic of the rural heritage of this region.

Alcobertas

Rio Maior

Located on a valley by the Candeiros Mountain, it is crossed by a brook that starts at the picturesque Olhos de Água place. It has lovely natural caves and rooms with stalactites and vestiges of bones. The architectural heritage includes …

Azambujeira

Rio Maior

The area's main feature is the wide valley where salt is produced. The Mother Church of Our Lady of Rosário, the pillory, the old town hall, currently the Regional Museum of Azambujeira, and the chafariz (fountain) bridge, with only on …

Percurso Pedestre - Marinhas do Sal

Rio Maior

Navies of Salt are located in the Natural Park of Serra D'aire and Candeeiros and 30 km from the sea. The earliest reference to this natural estate dates from the 12th century and it is believed that the use of …

Igreja da Misericórdia de Rio Maior

Rio Maior

Architecture of religious character, composed of vaulted chancel and nave, this consisting of two side altars. The sacristy preserves a Baroque toilet. Another highlight is the font from the Chiesa Madre (mother church), and that is stored in a chapel …

Salinas da Fonte da Bica

Rio Maior

Fonte da Bica saline ponds are the only Natural ones in Portugal. They are located 30 Km. from the sea and have 40 tanks from which the salt is extracted from 10 metres depth. Between May and September the collection …

Forno de Alcobertas

Rio Maior

This medieval oven, discovered in the 50 years of the 20th century, functioned as community oven, more precisely to bake pottery, tiles and other utensils. Has about 1, 5 m and has a grill on which were placed the pieces …

Percurso Pedestre - Chãos à Gruta

Rio Maior

The cave of Alcobertas is 210 meters long and occasionally reaches 9 feet tall. Its archaeological value has already been demonstrated, thanks to the discovery of human bones of the Upper Paleolithic, species that lived in small nomadic communities, in …

Casa Senhorial d'El-Rei Dom Miguel

Rio Maior

The name of this manor house is justified with the fact that Don Miguel have stayed here before the battle of Almoster. In this manor are the ceilings painted with real weapons, the oratory chapel with Baroque facade and porch …

Moinho de Rio Maior

Rio Maior

Blue and white washed mill, located in the Natural Park of Serra d'Aire and Candeeiros. Was transformed into housing, has only 2 rooms and a restaurant nearby.

Percurso Pedestre Vale de Ventos

Rio Maior

2.5 km path integrated in the Natural Park of Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. The point of departure and arrival is the reception centre of Valley of winds. Its main points of interest-traditional architecture, fauna and flora and panoramic views …

Dólmen de Alcobertas

Rio Maior

This is one of three megalithic monuments that exist in Portugal. In the parish church of Alcobertas, this dolmen burial character consists of a camera and a corridor, formed by large props. Stands out the tile flooring and stone altar.

Villa Romana de Rio Maior

Rio Maior

The Roman villa of Rio Maior was discovered in 1983. The excavations, started in 1995, allowed the collection of significant booty. Found a set of various mosaic panels which, by their chromatic range and drawing are attributable to the 21st …

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Where to eat in Rio Maior

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Where to sleep in Rio Maior

Casas de São José
Casas de São José

Simpático espaço de turismo no Espaço Rural situado na aldeia de Asseiceira, em Rio Maior.

Cooperativa Terra Chã
Cooperativa Terra Chã

There are two accommodation centres that integrate the cooperative "Terra Chã". The houses are decorated to the nines and offer a stay in a quiet and cozy envi…

Casa do Foral
Casa do Foral

Casa do Foral in Rio Maior. The story goes that in the past, land and surrounding dwellings paid the Forum or Charter, hence its name. Even today functions as …

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Near Rio Maior

Ferreira do Zêzere

Ferreira do Zêzere

Ferreira do Zêzere's landscape, although it is located at the northern end of Ribatejo, has little to do with the typical lezíria. Deep valleys, pine…

Golegã

Golegã

Golegã is known throughout the country as the "Horse Capital City", due to its historical links to bullfighting traditions. In the heart of Ribatejo,…

Alpiarça

Alpiarça

Alpiarça is a municipality in Ribatejo belonging to the district of Santarém and has only one parish. Its geographical location, on the left bank of …

Constância

Constância

This is one of the most beautiful villages in Portugal. Located in the middle of the Ribatejo region, on the north bank of the Tagus River, Constânci…