トレス・ノヴァスの天然記念物・トップ12

The (almost) centuries-old Galiana Spring is part of the history and traditions of the older population, who still remember their parents and grandparents collecting water and washing clothes in the tanks, and it continues to gush water (not officially approved for consumption through regular tests) and is sought out by the population. Its waters have gained a reputation for giving vigor and youth, inspiring poets such as João Rodrigues Delgado Júnior: “Indifferent to the world around it, as simple as it is graceful, there stands almost halfway up the hill, peering out at the river, the beautiful Vila de Praia do Ribatejo. Its identity is now unknown, but the friars of the Convent of Loreto used to pass by there to satisfy their thirst. There is certainly not a living soul within many miles of it who does not know or has not heard of the Galiana Spring.”

It's a shame that the park is not very well maintained. It could be much nicer.

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!

Enjoy peace and quiet and a leisurely hike through the gardens of Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes

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.

Fátima is a city in central Portugal that houses the Sanctuary of Fátima, a place of Catholic pilgrimage. The Capelinha das Aparições marks the spot where the Virgin Mary allegedly appeared in 1917. Other sacred sites include the Basilica of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, with its golden angels, and the modern Church of the Holy Trinity. The Museum of Sacred Art and Ethnology displays religious artefacts.

At the top of the park nice view of the castle and you walk along the aqueduct to the castle

This park is worth seeing. It features 39 hectares of woods and gardens that once belonged to the Order of Christ. These were acquired by the state in 1938, along with the Convent of Christ, after a century of ownership by the Costa Cabral family. Many trees grow here: pines, oaks, century-old olive trees, and more.