쉬운 Maxial 하이킹 및 워킹 코스

The castle of Torres Vedras is an important part of Portuguese history. It was a strategic point in the fight against the Moors and later against Napoleon. The castle was conquered in 1147 by Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

Today I was lucky and was able to visit the ruins as well.

Castelo de Torres Vedras is an imposing medieval fortress, with a history that dates back to Roman times and a significant role in the Napoleonic Wars (as part of the Lines of Torres Vedras). The castle represents an important historical heritage. If you want to stop here for a break you can explore its ancient walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

The castle is not that great

Castle complex was closed, I would have liked to have seen it

At this location at the top of the Serra de Montejunto, also known as "Torre" due to the various antennas that were installed there, is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, which may have been built in the 13th century and remodelled and expanded during the 16th century and later. Inside, the altars covered with 17th century tiles and the altarpiece of the main altar, from the 18th century, stand out. Next to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, are the ruins of what is considered to be the first Dominican Convent in Portugal, built in the 12th century and abandoned after the extinction of the religious orders, and is currently in ruins. Also nearby are the ruins of the Royal Ice Factory, classified as a National Monument. Here, in the 18th century, the Dominican monks took advantage of the climatic and geological conditions and opened large tanks connected by narrow passages, one part for the production of ice and the other for its preparation, storage and conservation. The ice was later transported to Lisbon, to supply the court and the café at Terreiro do Paço, later known as Martinho da Arcada (Fernando Pessoa's Café)

A great landmark in industrial archaeology, it is the only one of its kind in Portugal and Europe, being a symbol of medieval technology. Its construction began in 1741, and cost between 40 and 45 thousand Cruzados, a megalomaniac expense for the time, in order to satisfy the great demand for ice that existed throughout the capital. It represented a major advance in the quality and hygiene of the process used to “produce” ice, as it began to be manufactured in the factory's tanks and not harvested after the wind had piled it up, as was the case until then. (at https://www.cadavalcativa.pt)

The Serra de Montejunto Forest Watch Station can be accessed via a pastoral trail from the picnic park. It offers a beautiful panorama of the region north of the Serra.