VISIT THE TRAILS

Between the Tagus and the Atlantic – indomitable Nature
History recorded in the land and in time

TRAIL: THE GREAT PASSES

Along this section of the Lines, the hills seem to touch the sky and the sun glints off the streams at the foot of the valleys and it’s said by those who pass through, that this is the only place you can hear the water singing.

Start off in the centre of Arruda dos Vinhos, the town presented with the Order of Santiago by the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques. Immerse yourself in its rurality, visit the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Ajuda and continue on to the village of Alrota, where you’ll find the Ajuda Grande redoubt. Here, you’ll find it easy to understand the symbiotic relationship between the fortifications and the terrain, as well as the strategy behind their construction. The fossils beneath your feet, or the stones used to cover the forts, are testament to the age of our planet. From the Lines of Torres Vedras Visitors’ and Heritage Centre in Arruda dos Vedras, set off to find the forts of Cego and Carvalha.

Keep on to the town of Bucelas, where there is another Visitors’ Centre and the Museum of Wine and Vine, the town church, and a gastronomic experience accompanied by the fine local wines. Having regained your strength, look for Fort Arpim which, in conjunction with the fortifications at Aguieira, defended the valleys, blocking the route to the city of Lisbon.

Towards Alverca do Ribatejo, after Quinta da Portela and further along the country road, are the forts of Aguieira, Portela Grande and Portela Pequena, which functioned as an isolated outpost. Enjoy the superb views from the natural viewpoints.

11mapa grandes desfiladeiros

HERITAGE AND VISITORS’ CENTRE FOR THE LINES OF TORRES VEDRAS (CILT)

CILT at Bucelas

(+351) 211 150 669 / 924 487297

cilt@cm-loures.pt

www.cm-loures.pt

Tuesday to Sunday | 10am – 1pm / 2pm – 6pm

CILT at Arruda dos Vinhos

(+351) 263 977 035

cultura@cm-arruda.pt

www.cm-arruda.pt

Tuesday to Friday | 9am – 12.30pm / 2pm – 5.30pm
Saturday to Sunday | 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 6pm
Closed Mondays and Public Holidays

CILT at Fort Casa

(+351) 926 531 121 | 263 280 350

 museumunicipal@cm-vfxira.pt

www.cm-vfxira.pt/pages/933

Tuesday to Sunday | 9.30am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 5.30pm
Closed Mondays and Public Holidays

WHERE TO EAT

Allow yourself to be transported back to the Lines by experiencing the taste of local dishes using local ingredients, accompanied by a sprinkling of anecdotes that recreate the flavours of the 19th century.

WHERE TO SLEEP

Because you’ll want to stay, pick a location where you can recharge your batteries, where tranquility and a sense of well-being go hand in hand with history.

WHAT TO SEE

From Torres Vedras, you can climb to the tops of hills and visit the castle and other historic sites which illustrate the past. You can listen to the chimes marking the passage of time; breathe in the intense, warm aroma of the countryside; swim in the cooling waters of a very blue sea which plays on an endless golden beach.

WHAT TO DO

Today, the Lines of Torres Vedras are an excuse to live, feel and savour what this area has to offer. Along the Lines, you can try a little of everything: from adventure to sport; culture to wellbeing; from wines to fine food… Daydream with your family, your partner, or in a group. Dedicate your time to taking the best of what Life has to offer as you explore the Great Passes Trail.