The best road cycling routes around Ribeira Branca

A wonderful, unusual monument to a difficult job and the people who did it.

The house where José Saramago was born is located in the village of Azinhaga, in the municipality of Golegã, district of Santarém, Portugal. The Azinhaga House Location: The house is located on Rua da Igreja, in Azinhaga, a typical village in Ribatejo, known for its landscape of fertile fields and its proximity to the Tagus River. Foundation: Currently, the childhood home houses the José Saramago Foundation Delegation in Azinhaga, a space of memory that recreates the environment of the writer's childhood and houses a library and an auditorium. Visits: The place is open to visitors who wish to learn about the roots of the only Nobel Prize winner in Literature in the Portuguese language. The Lanzarote House Although he was born in Azinhaga, the writer's most emblematic residence is "The House" in Tías, on the island of Lanzarote, Spain. It was there that he lived for much of his adult life, and where his vast personal library is located; today it functions as the José Saramago House-Museum and is open to the public.

Pombalinho is a town in the district of Santarém, Portugal, known for being frequently affected by floods. This reputation is due to its strategic location on the right bank of the Tagus River and near the Alviela stream, in a floodplain area. Why do floods occur? Proximity to the Tagus River: The main cause of the floods is the town's location near the Tagus Riverbed. During rainy winters, the river overflows and floods the surrounding areas, which are alluvial plains. Increased flow rates: Heavy rainfall in Portugal, along with discharges from upstream Spanish dams, cause a significant increase in water levels and flow rates of the Tagus, resulting in floods in the Lower Tagus. Affected communication routes: Floods frequently submerge local and national roads, such as the EN 365 at Ponte do Alviela, temporarily isolating Reguengo do Alviela and other neighboring towns. Impact and Local Resilience Historical Events: Pombalinho has a history of major floods, with notable events recorded in 1964 and 1979. Adaptation of Residents: Local residents accept, to some extent, these periodic floods as part of life in the region, although abnormally high floods cause damage and concern. Alert and Prevention: Civil protection authorities issue warnings to the population during critical periods, asking them to take the necessary actions to protect themselves, their families, and property.

Machine used for road maintenance in the 1970s. Employees nicknamed it the Black Widow.

A peaceful spot for a picnic, with several mountain bike trails nearby, as well as paved roads. A good starting point for some walks.

Gorgeous views! The climb to Alqueidão da Serra is tough for beginners.

The Golegã National Horse Fair, also known as the São Martinho Fair, is an event with historical roots dating back to 1571, when it was established as an annual fair. Over the centuries, the fair has evolved and established itself as an important center for the exhibition and sale of the Lusitano horse, attracting breeders, riders and enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad.

Torre de Dom Manuel of 1520