Attractions and Places To See around Alenquer (Triana) - Top 20

Constantino Palha Municipal Park is one of the main tourist attractions in Vila Franca de Xira, located next to the train station and the Tagus River. It occupies an area of 400 meters in front of the river and is considered the most charismatic garden in the city. Highlights: - Bandstand: a 19th-century bandstand is one of the park's main attractions, where cultural events frequently take place. - Lakes: the lakes are a characteristic element of the garden, adding a touch of serenity to the environment. - Playground: a fun area for children, making it a popular destination for families. - Cafeteria: offers a cozy place to relax and enjoy the river view. - Paths: the winding paths allow visitors to take pleasant walks through the garden, enjoying nature and the view of the Tagus River.

The area of the springs, on the Ota River, was once a leisure area for the local population, including the local bathing area in the summer. This site remained natural for a long time after the EPAL was installed, but at a certain point, the intensification of agriculture with the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, intensive livestock farming, and urban sewage made the flow from upstream a polluting threat to EPAL's water intakes, and EPAL paved several dozen meters of the river course near the site where it is installed with reinforced concrete.

The origins of the Ermida Bridge possibly date back to the end of the 15th century. A Royal Road passed through here, which was intended to connect the river port of Vila Nova da Rainha and Caldas da Rainha. It was the route of the royal and court routes since D. João II, and was also frequently used by D. João V and D. Carlos. All that remains of this 15th century Royal Road is the emblematic Ermida Bridge, a work of art structured and built in dressed stone and its sumptuous Romanesque arch, or round arch. Due to its total lack of conservation and because it has to support loads (heavy agricultural machinery) for which it was not designed, it is currently at risk of collapse, and its passage is even closed.

It is surrounded by beautiful and abundant trees and is a bridge with a Romanesque arch. There are several theories regarding its construction; some argue that it was built during the reign of D. João II, in order to facilitate the King's movement when he went to meet Queen D. Leonor for a swim in Caldas, while others claim that it was built in the 19th century due to a technical issue, namely its width. Interestingly, this bridge supports two enormous pine trees on the upper part of the road.

The Ota River has its source in the Montejunto mountain range. It flows through the Ota area and empties into the Alenquer River, which in turn meets the Tagus River near Vila Nova da Rainha. At this point the river is close to the village of the same name, Ota.

The Constantino Palha Municipal Garden, the most charismatic in Vila Franca de Xira, is located next to the train station and stretches 400 meters along the river. Renovated in 2011, it stands out for its bandstand, lakes and terrace overlooking the river. Shaded by plane trees, ash trees and mulberry trees, it has a popular children's playground and is the stage for various events.

The origin of Ponte da Ermida possibly dates back to the end of the 15th century. A Royal Road passed through here, which intended to make the connection between the river port of Vila Nova da Rainha, and Caldas da Rainha. It was the route of the royal itineraries and the Court since D. João II, and was also frequently used by D. João V and D. Carlos. From this 15th-century Royal Road, all that remains is the emblematic Ponte da Ermida, a structured work of art built in dressed stone and its sumptuous Romanesque arch, or round arch. Due to the total lack of conservation and having to support loads (heavy agricultural machinery) for which it was not designed, it is currently at risk of collapsing, and its passage is even prohibited.

It rises in the Montejunto mountain range, passes through the clusters of Eiras, Abrigada, Atouguia, Ota and Aldeia, in the municipality of Alenquer and flows into the right bank of the Tagus river near Vila Nova da Rainha, side by side with the Alenquer river. Of its layout stands out, in particular, the “Cannon” of the Ota river valley, which presents geomorphological characteristics of the greatest relevance at a national level.