ALCOBAÇA
Alcobaça owes its name to the Arab occupation and to the union of the river Alcôa and Baça near its Monastery, built between 1178 and 1254, right after the donation vow of the lands conquered in 1153 by the first king of Portugal - D. Afonso Henriques, about the time of the conquer of Santarém from the Saracens. At once the first dynasty kings recognised the cultural and economical value of the Order of Cister, assigning it with privileges and a wide territory formed of thirteen enclosures or lands with their own administration and laws, partially different from those of the kingdom. From those days come the ruins of its medieval castle of Arab origin, from where the view over the city and the Monastery is remarkable. At the end of Rua do Castelo (Castle Street) we can see the Igreja da Misericórdia (Mercy Church), founded on the sixteenth century and restored on the nineteenth century. In front of the north wing of the Monastery are the Arcos de Cister (Cister Arches), integrated in beautiful seven hundredth buildings and connecting the gardens and the esolanades of the squares of D. Afonso Henrriques and da República. Igreja da Conceição (Conceição Church) is in the primitive location where in 1153 the first monks were installed, before the fundation of the Monastery. Eastward we can see Serra dos Candeeiros (Candeeiros Mountain) covered with green fields, endless stone walks and beautiful olive-groves, which are the result of the monks' plantations during the seventeeth century, and which are limited by the Arco da Memória (Memory Arch). In the route of gothic and related to king Manuel of Portugal are the Matriz de Vestiaria (Vestiaria Matrix), Capela dos Passos (Steps Chapel) and Matriz de Évora de Alcobaça (Évora and Alcobaça Matrix), Igrejas de Turquel and de Aljubarrota (Turquel and Aljubarrota Churches), or Convento de Santa Maria de Cós (Closter of Santa Maria de Cós) of the Cister nuns, hich interior has noteworthy baroque expression in the wall tiles and in the golden carved works.On the way to the ocean, northward, arise the pine-woods and the golden beaches. Southward are the very fertile fields of Cela and of Alfeizerão that, till the sixteenth century, were calm harbours of a golf that is today confined to the magnificent beach and bay of S. Martinho do Porto.
www.cm-alcobaca.pt
ALENQUERAlenquer was regain by conquest from the Moors by D. Afonso Henriques in 1148. D. Sancho I constructed a Palace in this village that was donated to his daughter, D. Sancha, who has given to Alenquer its first Privilege Cart. Later, Alenquer had more Privilege carts, given by D. Dinis in 1302 and D. Manuel in 1510.
Alenquer is Known as the “ Crib Village”, mostly because of the annually realization of a giant Crib in one of the lopes that form a valley in the centre of the village.
Limited on the north side by the Montejunto Mountains, on south by the low lands of the right edge bank of the Tejo River. This municipal district offers a great and diverse landscape, agriculture richness, a significantly historical pass and a magnificent set of monuments with an enormous artistic value. Places that deserve to be mentioned are: the remains of the old XIII century Castle; the S. Pedro Church with the tomb of Damião de Góis (XVI century); the S. Farncisco Convent and the Hipólito Cabaço Museum with a permanent exposition of more than fourteen archaeological pieces.
The old Farms, the good white and red wines, the handicraft, the Montejunto Mountains (Tourism in the Rural Space) proportioned an unforgettable leisure time just a few kilometres from Lisbon. The future international airport of Lisbon in Ota represents a big opportunity to the development of this municipal district and the Region.
www.cm-alenquer.pt
ARRUDA DOS VINHOS
Arruda dos Vinhos is located 36 kilometres northern Lisbon, surrounded by the municipal districts of Sobral de Monte Agraço, Alenquer, Vila Franca de Xira, Loures and Mafra. Four parishes of 77 km2 distribute the total territorial area: Arranhó, Arruda dos Vinhos, Cardosas e São Tiago dos Velhos. The present population rounds the eleven thousand habitants.
The first mark of human occupation in this area remounts from the Neolithic Period. From the Romans Period it is also possible to find some hints, and the first mark of municipal autonomy dates from the year of 1172, when D. Afonso Henriques made a document with the donation of Arruda dos Vinhos village to S. Tiago’s Order, act that was confirmed in Santarém by D. Afonso II in 1218.
D. Manuel I attributed the Privilege Cart in 1517, after the King’s refuge in the village Palace, when the pest devastated the Kingdom. This monarch promised to restore the Matrix Church and dedicated it to Nª. Srª. da Salvação, if he survived to the infirmity. In this way, the king ordered that festivities were organized in the village in the name of the Saint on August 15th of every year. This tradition maintains itself till our days.
During the Napoleonic Invasions, four Fortresses had been built. These ones were integrated in the famous “Linhas de Torres”, contributing enormously to the defence of the capital.
www.cm-arruda.pt
BOMBARRAL
The municipal district of Bombarral has as geographic limits several other districts: North Óbidos, East Caldas da Rainha, Southeast and South the Cadaval and Southwest Lourinhã.
The farming activity makes integrant part of the ancestral living in this territory. This fact is possible to be observed in the effective work values and in the extension of the primary sector. The vocation for the Tourism in the Rural Space appears like a natural phenomenon, with a special incidence in the Vine and Wine Route where two Farms take a special importance: Loridos, a manor house from XVI and Cerejeiras.
To the automobile sport lovers, or those who simply enjoy new experiences, the KIRO (International “Oeste” Karting Track) with a total area of eight hectares, offers to it users a track with 1.203 meters of perimeter and with fifteen different variants.
In relation to history, Bombarral has several archaeological hints that give evidence to the ancestral occupation of this municipal district.
In Carvalhal, you can see the oldest construction of all districts, a Medieval Tower, donated by D. Dinis to an Aragonite Lord. This edification is classified as a building of public interest.
www.cm-bombarral.pt
CADAVAL
“There’s no ice in the summer to refresh the drinks and the snow, it has to been token from a 7 league distance, it’s rare and cheer. Using small precious argyle’s pots, very common in Portugal, inuhich the water refreshes itself marvellously in the night dew”
It was in these terms that a foreigner, in the beginnings of the XVIII century, registed the difficulty in obtaining ice during summer months in Lisbon.
In fact, face to the enormous ice consuming in the poor as in the highest classes, D. João V had to found a manner to produce ice in a local close to the capital. After the vain attempt in the S. Jorge’s Castle (in Lisbon), the choice relapsed into the Montejunto Mountains, on account of the special climacterics conditions. Thus the Royal Ice Factory was born a monument with unique architectonical characteristics in Portugal.
The municipal district of Cadaval has a touristic offer predominantly turn to nature and rural aspects together with the various leisure’s recreations in Montejunto, like: walking tracks, mountains sports and speleology.
The wine production is extremely important to the district economy, proving along the years its importance in the territory. Vast vineyards areas that go along the lopes to the Massif of Montejunto constitute the rural landscape.
www.cm-cadaval.pt
CALDAS DA RAINHA
Caldas da Rainha was thermal city, established in the endings of the XV century by Queen D. Leonor, wife of King João II. In fact the thermalism was the reason for the existence of the city, without doubt an enormous touristic attraction, also due to the Thermal Hospital. It also offers diversifying proposals since the typical diary fruit marked to the museological patrimony (Malhoa Museum – where the art of the Portuguese master is exposed – the Museum House S. Rafael, the Ceramic Museum and the Sculpture Museums) Caldas da Rainha is equally one of the most important ceramic centres of the country, where the pieces of Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro detach themselves due to the originality and the critic to the social and political costumes of his contemporary, the popular figure of “Zé Povinho” or the Plates with Cabbages are the personifications of that attitude.
The Gastronomy, because of the Conventual’s influence, has its big expressions in the egg rolls, egg lamprey and Caracas. These sweets are references to the richness, singularity and cultural identity of the city.
The touristic offer is also constituted by the beautiful Foz do Arelho beach, near the Lagoa de Óbidos (Lagoon). In the past this lagoon was more extensive and arrived to the walls of Óbidos Castle. Ideal for the practice of nautical sports, serve as a frontier because of its location between the districts of Caldas da Rainha (North margin) and Óbidos (South margin). In the Northern edge the Foz do Arelho beach is situated (ten kilometres from Caldas da Rainha), in a not profound earth depression, with irregular rectors by the sea, whose natural separation barrier is formed by an extensive littoral dune cordon.
www.cm-caldas-rainha.pt
LOURINHÃ
The littoral district of “Oeste” Region, 63 kilometres from Lisbon and with about 18 kilometres of sea coast, spectacular landscapes distributed by countryside and beaches where you could find excellent belvederes.
Beautiful beaches and unexplored sea-bays that invite to the practice of several nautical sports: submarine hunting, sportive fishing, underwater photography and windsurfing.
Land with historical roots that ascend since the Roman occupation of the Peninsula, possessing a rich monumental patrimony. Among the several monumental jewels are: the Matrix Church a gothic temple from the XIV century and the Church of Misericórdia with it “Manuelino” gateway. Two examples are the delicacy and the magnificence that take place in old art. The XIV Pillory also Know as the Pillory of the antique Castle deserves a visit.
Lourinhã is equally appreciated by the precious hints of the Jurassic Period. The cliffs area of the Paimogo Fortress is an old dinosaur fossil nesting with a number of eggs and shell eggs that were object of an intensive research work between the years of 1993 and 1996. This work allowed the organization of a vast set permanently exposed in the Municipal Museum (GEAL).
www.cm-lourinha.pt
NAZARÉ
The beach of Nazaré has a relatively recent origin, until the 17th century the sea occupied most of the area where today stand the houses. The quick geological transformations occurred during that century made the retreat of the sea and the silting up of the area, leaving the lovely bay uncovered.
The first references of fishing in Nazaré date from 1643, however, only in the beginning of the 19th century did the population start to live in the new beach. Until then, the fishermen lived, mainly, in the upper parts – Sítio and Pederneira – since the constant attacks of Algerian and Dutch pirates made the beach a very unsafe place.
Nazaré was first known and demanded as a seaside resort in the middle of the 19th century. Its natural beauty and typical characteristics drew the visitors’ attention. Fishing, fish transformation and its sale were the main activities of the population during most of the 20th century. The harsh and dangerous sea life have made many fishermen leave their hometown seeking for better living conditions. The construction of the new Harbour, in the 1980s, has changed and improved the fishermen’s living conditions, thus starting a new period on the population’s daily life.
In the 1960s, tourism discovered the charm of the beach and the town became known all over the world. Every year, Nazaré receives the visit of thousands of national and international tourists, being today a modern and always lively town. To walk down its narrow streets towards the sea, is to discover a way of living still genuine and peculiar, with surprises at every corner!
Beauty, memories, charisma and traditions make Nazaré the most unforgettable Portuguese beach.
Sítio
Sítio, on the top of the promontory, is a place of religiosity and pilgrimage since the 12th century associated to the legend of Our Lady of Nazaré and to the cult of Mary. Due to the difficult access, Sítio began to develop only in the middle of the 17th century and had a significant growth on the following century. The installation of a Funicular linking “ Praia" to “Sítio”, in 1889, originated a new population increase as well as tourist visits.
The Suberco Belvedere, at 110 meters high, offers the visitor one of the most beautiful sea views of Portugal.
ÓBIDOS
“Re-established upon the foundations that still exist in some of the buildings razzed by the earthquake in 1755, remain no more than a dozen of constructions from that century; give those that survive a light cerographic reconstruction of some architectural details, and, without changing the general disposition of the streets and a group of houses; this is Óbidos, an integral and faithful remaining Portuguese burg from 300 years ago."
It was in these terms that Ramalho Ortigão remembers the secular existence of this magic place, full of history, culture and patrimony.
In fact, Óbidos is a treasure from our country, this medieval village can’t release a long visit because of its several points of interest. Beyond the Village Door, that has in there interior an oratorical dedicated to Nª. Sr.ª. da Graça, it is instantaneously possible to find an enormous attraction that the white houses and the sinuosity of the streets suggest upon the visitant. Churches, windows, staircases and yards are other reference points.
The Óbidos Castle, where the Inn is to be found, might have Roman origins; nevertheless, it was under the Arabic domination that the Fortress won a certain status.
Lágoa de Óbidos (Lagoon) is ideal for the practice of nautical sports, the “Eburobrittium” roman city, the golf course of Praia d’El Rey are other elements that certainly deserve a visit.
www.cm-obidos.pt
PENICHE
The origin of Peniche is lost in the night and in several stories. In ancient times, Peniche was an island, without the “arm” of earth that makes the connection with the continent. Once an island, it was colonized by a small group of Lusitanians who run away from the malicious Júlio César to that place of difficult access. They gave origin to the population of Peniche. Rodrigo Carvalheiro and Eduardo Dias transcribes it in a book called “Memórias de Forasteiro”, a narrative of the Crusade warrior Osberno, to D. Afonso Henriques battle companion in the conquest of Lisbon: “In the fallowing day, we entered in the port of Peniche Island, about 800 steps distant from the continent. In this island it’s abundant venisons and above all rabbits, it’s also possible to find the alcaçuz plant…"
In old times, the word Peniche meant “small boat”.
The district offers several interesting points: a Fortress Museum, several precious district Churches, each one with a very personify beauty and architectonical richness. From these, in the village of Peniche, four deserver a mention: Church of Misericódia, Nª. Sr.ª. da Ajuda, Remédios Sanctuary and S, Pedro Church.
The Handicraft, the truth-value of the city, has in bobbing laces its biggest expression.
In Peniche it’s possible to find a set of magnificently and beautiful beaches: Baleal, Consolação, Supertubos, S. Bernardino… these beaches are ideal for the practice of water sports. Berlenga’s islands, the unique natural maritime reserve of the country, make the people of Peniche proud.
www.cm-peniche.pt
SOBRAL DE MONTE AGRAÇO
The oldest known document date from October of 1186 and with it D. Sancho I gave the “Reguengo de Soveral” to D. Paio a bishop from Évora’s Cathedral and his successors. This fact happened in the period of Christian reconquest and where there was the necessity to populate the lands in order not to allow a new Moor Invasion.
The donation of the “Reguengo” allowed the formation of a settlement named Montagraço, whose habitants worked in the fields and paid rents to them. The birth of this local gave birth to the municipal district of Sobral de Monte Agraço like it is today. The first Privilege Cart of Monte Agraço is dated from December 20th of 1518.
Early in the 20th century the district was located in an important defence line, because in this area there were various Fortresses that together formed the first line of defence called “Linhas de Torres”. In fact, Sobral de Monte Agraço was one of the zones that suffered more damages due to the French Invasions. Today it’s still possible to find fair positions and trenches.
To visit: the São Salvador do Mundo House, one of the best Tourism Houses in the Rural Space of ”Oeste” Tourism Region, whose construction was ordered by D. Manuel I in 1520 and classified as a National Monument in June of 1910; the Fortress of Montagraço (Alqueidão Fortress) with an impressive belvedere deserves also a visit.
www.cm-sobral-monte-agraco.pt
TORRES VEDRAS
Many historians believe that the origins of Torres Vedras came from the Chalcolithic Period, properly from the Chalcolithic Caster of Zambujal, where the first civilized structure of national territory appeared. The Romans also elected the fertile valleys of Torres Vedras for the settlement of rural houses, initiating the vineyards culture. However, only after the Christian reconquest, the present city has its historical affirmation. The creation of the municipality remounts from the reign of D. Afonso Henriques, although the first Privilege Cart has been given by D. Afonso III and reformed in 1510 by D. Manuel.
Stage of memorable events, it was in this local, that D. João I reunited his council in 1413 for the deliberation about Ceuta’s conquest.
Another historical fact deserves to be mentioned, by the enormous social, cultural and economic consequences: the complex defence system called ”Linhas de Torres”, that allowed to defeat the Napoleonic troops in the time of French Invasions.
Land of sun and sea, with 20 kilometres of sea coast, the beaches of Santa Cruz, Porto Novo, Santa Rita or Assenta have an enormous search not only in the summer but also during all year. Calm or cosmopolitan environments, allow several leisure moments and sport practices, namely surf. These places are also chosen as holiday residence.
The Vimeiro Spa, the hipic-centre, the golf course of Golf Mar Hotel and the Airfield are equipments that complete the touristic offer of Torres Vedras.
www.cm-tvedras.pt