Τα 5 καλύτερα φυσικά μνημεία Vila Moreira

Algar da Cerejeira is a remarkable geological karst formation, that is, a natural cavity or vertical sinkhole. These algars are typically formed in limestone regions due to the erosive action of water, which dissolves the rock and creates underground pits or caves. Algar da Cerejeira is therefore an example of this process, offering a fascinating glimpse into the depths of the earth.

From the top of the mountain, a breathtaking natural landscape opens up before you: the Polje de Minde, also known as the Minde Sea, stretches out in shades of green and water, a rare wetland nestled between hills. In the background, the São Mamede plateau and the undulating silhouette of the Serra d’Aire stand out.

The Serra de Aire stands as the highest point of the Estremenho Limestone Massif, crowning its 678 metres at the geodesic vertex. Up here, the horizon opens up generously: to the south stretches the Tertiary Tagus Basin, lowered by the Arrife thrust and marked by ochre tones of sand and clay; to the west and southwest rise the Santo António plateau and the Serra dos Candeeiros. And if the sky cooperates, the view also reaches Montejunto, the sea in the distance and, to the north, the highlands of São Mamede up to Ourém and Fátima.

While this was my second visit, I've enjoyed it as much as the first one! The first gallery of this system of caves was discovered by locals in 1947. Of course people were curious and had to investigate further. What is known today is that the cave reaches 11 Kilometers in length which makes it the biggest and most important in Portugal. The formation of the cave goes back 150 million years to the middle Jurassic age when dinosaurs inhabited this region. They found traces of species who inhabited these caves, some of it on display. A part of the cave-system was opened to the public in 1974 with many improvements in safety for the visitors in later years. At one point colored lights found their way in with some spectacular and dramatic effects. My photos inside the cave are in the wrong order, not sure how to interchange them or what I've done wrong when uploading, sorry!

The Fonte do Peão, built in 1884, is one of the symbols of the parish of Monsanto. It is covered in tiles that depict rural life. The water in the Fonte do Peão comes from a spring and flows regularly throughout the year. According to information obtained from local residents, the water is good for human consumption and is used as a source of water for the many travellers who pass through there.