From Mação, take the N244 towards Chão de Codes and continue to Chão de Lopes, where you will make the first stop on this route to see the famous Poço Mourão (1078). Back to the road, cut left towards Chão de Lopes Pequeno and continue towards Amêndoa, one of the oldest parishes in the municipality, not before making a short diversion to Mina de Água in Pé da Serra (1094). How long has it been since I saw one like this? Amêndoa was donated to the Templars by D. Afonso Henriques, in 1165, after having conquered it from the Moors, hence the cross of the Order of Christ on the parish coat of arms. Here, the invitation is for you to walk through the central streets and then visit the Tower of the Old Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição IIM (1010) and climb the Cross (1009).
Continue even further north, now heading for Cardigos. On the way, make a short stop, just after leaving Amêndoa to visit the ruins of the Castro de S. Miguel IIN (1012) unequivocal proof of the strategic importance of this place.
Resume the route towards Cardigos and, if it is time to do so, take the opportunity to have lunch. There are several local restaurants, of regional food, at your disposal. In the centre of this old village, enjoy the Pelourinho (2007) and a little further on the Igreja Matriz (2006).
Since you are here, go north to the famous Ponte de Pedra da Isna 3 concelhos (2014), which the locals call 3 concelhos because it connects Mação, Vila de Rei and Sertã. It will have passed the Queen Saint Isabel to Coimbra again and again. What a privilege to tread this same ground, huh?
Back to Cardigos and its surroundings, but not far from there, there is the Praia Fluvial de Cardigos, in Vergancinho (2000), one of the most sought after in the Middle Tagus region, even inviting for a bath (or a good nap in the lawn spaces under the shade of the olive trees). Tell us if it is beautiful and very, very pleasant?
Almost finishing this tour in the north part of the municipality, we suggest you a visit to Anta da Laginha (2048) and another to the Chapel of Serra de Santo António (2030). Any of these places will give you an unforgettable sunset. How long before you say goodbye? All right, go anyway, and let yourself be surprised.
TECHNICAL NOTE:
Download the TRACK for GPS from the Itinerary HERE (DOWNLOAD, ARCHIVE, DOWNLOAD)
OR
Click on SIGNAL + (green), on the right side and download.
All places can be accessed by light vehicle (city), except Poço Mourão, Anta da Laginha and Capela da Serra de Santo António, where we recommend a 4X4 vehicle, as the route is on a dirt track.
In order for the journey to be and end happily, we recommend caution in the approach to the places and we ask civism in the treatment of the passing areas.
Do not spoil, subject or destroy. Nature is grateful.