The best MTB trails around Gondemaria

After the revolution of 1383, Portugal found itself in a difficult conflict with the neighboring Kingdom of Castile. The battle was decided in 1385 when the Castilian and Portuguese armies clashed at the Battle of Aljubarrota. The Castilians outnumbered and were better armed. As a military leader, Nuno Álvares Pereira loyally stood by his patron, John of Avis. The Portuguese achieved a resounding victory, which is attributed in particular to the strategic genius of Nuno Álvares Pereira. With this victory, the Castilian claims to Portugal were permanently repelled. John of Avis was proclaimed king by the Cortes, as John I of Portugal, thus establishing the second Portuguese dynasty, the House of Avis. Nuno Álvares Pereira became a national hero, and the grateful king showered him with honors and material possessions.

for those who have legs and lungs but a spectacular climb.

From the top of the lake, amidst the lush greenery, you can see what was once the scene of giants: the Dinosaur Footprints Natural Monument stretches out nearby, revealing the grandeur of times gone by. This is the highest point in the area, ideal for contemplating the vastness of the site. For those who enjoy running, the trails here are pure pleasure — to the north, dirt roads invite you to run at a smooth pace; to the south, the rocky terrain brings a touch of challenge. And the landscape, wide and serene, is the perfect bonus for every step.

The Lis River, whose source is in the town of Fontes, Cortes, is one of the few rivers in the country whose current flows from south to north and, in the final kilometres, from east to west. In winter and early spring, it is possible to see water emerging from the ground in surprising quantities. In the summer months, the source is usually dry.

Legend has it that the bears that once inhabited the Iberian Peninsula would drink water from the sinks that were naturally formed from the rock, which are still visible today. Today, the village of Pia do Urso, in the municipality of Batalha, is a popular spot for nature lovers and outdoor hikers. In this Sensory Ecopark, which is adapted for the visually impaired, you can have picnics, hike and discover some of the region's stories.

The High Cross is a monument erected on 29 August 2007 at the Sanctuary of Fátima, designed by the artist Robert Schad and measuring 34 metres in height. It was built to replace the old High Cross, which was 27 metres high and erected to mark the end of the Holy Year of 1950/1951, and which was located at the back of the prayer area, where the Basilica of the Holy Trinity is now located. It was donated to the National Sanctuary of Christ the King, in Almada.[1] It was built by the Portuguese company 'Mecanidraulica (Maia) and transported in 4 parts to Fátima. The oxidation of the corten steel, the material in which it was built, gives it an appearance that changes colour, becoming redder in dry weather and darker in the rain. A living Cross, with its own personality, just like Fátima

The Basilica of the Trinity is the 4th largest Catholic church in the world and the largest new church built in the 21st century. Completed in 2007 according to plans by the Greek architect A. Tombasis. It has a diameter of 125 m (the above-ground part) and a volume of 130,000 m3. It has 8,633 seats and from every seat you have an unobstructed view, as the basilica could be built without supporting pillars. It has 12 side entrances, one for each of Jesus' disciples and a main entrance dedicated to Jesus himself. The main portal alone is 64 square meters in size. All just superlatives!! Unbelievable. You have to see it to be believed.

The angel of Fatima invites us to associate ourselves with this paschal mystery, following in the footsteps of our Redeemer, to be authentic disciples of Jesus. Offering sacrifices and making reparation for offenses is part of this path of love and conversion.