Attractions and Places To See around Peral - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Peral are concentrated in a region characterized by the Montejunto mountain range. This area features historical sites, including ancient religious ruins, alongside natural landscapes like forests and picnic areas. Visitors can explore unique cultural gardens and facilities designed for outdoor enjoyment. The diverse offerings make Peral a destination for those interested in history, nature, and distinctive man-made monuments.
Best attractions and places to see around Peral
- The most popular attractions is Chapel of…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows (Ruins)
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Bacalhôa Buddha Eden
Highlight • Monument
After Buddhism was supplanted, the Buddhist statues in Bamiyan (Afghanistan) repeatedly fell victim to vandalism, which culminated in a major action by the …
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Montejunto Rural Campsite
Highlight • Rest Area
montejunto.pt/parque-de-campismo-rural-da-serra-de-montejunto
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Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto
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Blue Terracotta Army Sculptures
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A vast Far Eastern garden has been created here on an area of approximately 35 hectares. In addition to buildings and religious sculptures (especially Buddha statues), visitors will also find replicas of the world-famous Terracotta Army, where thousands of clay warriors guard the tomb of the first Chinese emperor.
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At this location at the top of the Serra de Montejunto, also known as "Torre" due to the various antennas that were installed there, is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, which may have been built in the 13th century and remodelled and expanded during the 16th century and later. Inside, the altars covered with 17th century tiles and the altarpiece of the main altar, from the 18th century, stand out. Next to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, are the ruins of what is considered to be the first Dominican Convent in Portugal, built in the 12th century and abandoned after the extinction of the religious orders, and is currently in ruins. Also nearby are the ruins of the Royal Ice Factory, classified as a National Monument. Here, in the 18th century, the Dominican monks took advantage of the climatic and geological conditions and opened large tanks connected by narrow passages, one part for the production of ice and the other for its preparation, storage and conservation. The ice was later transported to Lisbon, to supply the court and the café at Terreiro do Paço, later known as Martinho da Arcada (Fernando Pessoa's Café)
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The Nossa Senhora das Neves Chapel, located at the top of the Serra de Montejunto, has been a place of pilgrimage since the medieval period, prior to the construction of the first Dominican monastery in the 13th century.
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The Serra de Montejunto picnic area is next to the Interpretation center and a little further from the campsite. Nearby there is a small bar and toilets.
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The Serra do Montejunto Rural Camping Park is located close to the Environmental Interpretation Center and the Real Fábrica do Gelo. With capacity for 90 people, 24 tents and 6 motorhomes, it has sanitary facilities separated by sex, a communal barbecue area and designated areas for washing dishes and drying clothes.
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Located in the chestnut woods, it connects the Real Fábrica do Gelo complex and the Environmental Interpretation Centre. The Park has eight tables, with an average capacity of six to eight people per table. As support structures for its use, it has a small bar, toilets and a small playground.
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Located in the heart of the Montejunto mountain range, the Montejunto Rural Camping Park has ample shade and capacity for 90 people. Free to use, it has a bar, a tourist reception center and an Environmental Interpretation Centre. https://montejunto.pt/parque-de-campismo-rural-da-serra-de-montejunto/
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At the top of the Montejunto mountain range, very close to the chapel of Nossa Senhora das Neves, there are remains of the first convent of the Order of São Domingos in Portugal. Initially built in 1218, shortly after Friar Soeiro Gomes arrived in Portugal, the current ruins are the result of the rebuilding (over the initial convent) that took place in the 18th century, upon the return of the Dominicans. Despite being in ruins, it is a grandiose monument that must be visited, with due care, given the dangers that ruins always contain. Source: Natural.pt Next to the monument, there is a trail called "Calçada dos Frades" that runs along the slope. This cobbled path, which is also thought to be from the 18th century, was opened to serve the construction and use of the Convent of Nossa Senhora das Neves. The path was also used by the friars to access the Real Fabrica do Gelo, located further down, where today there is a laser area and an interpretive center.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Peral?
Peral is rich in history, particularly within the Montejunto mountain range. You can visit the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows (Ruins), which includes the ruins of the first Dominican Convent in Portugal, dating back to the 13th century. Nearby, you can also find the ruins of the Royal Ice Factory, classified as a National Monument.
Are there family-friendly attractions in Peral?
Yes, Peral offers several family-friendly options. The Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto, located in the chestnut woods, features eight tables, a small bar, toilets, and a playground. Bacalhôa Buddha Eden and the Blue Terracotta Army Sculptures are also categorized as family-friendly, offering unique cultural experiences.
Where can I enjoy nature and outdoor activities in Peral?
The Montejunto mountain range is the heart of outdoor activities in Peral. You can explore the chestnut woods, visit the Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto, or embark on various hiking and cycling routes. The region offers natural landscapes and opportunities for enjoying the outdoors.
What kind of unique cultural gardens can I visit near Peral?
Near Peral, you can discover Bacalhôa Buddha Eden, known as Europe's largest oriental garden. This expansive park spans approximately 35 hectares and features countless sculptures, including Buddha statues and Asian pagodas. It also houses the Blue Terracotta Army Sculptures, a collection of 700 hand-painted terracotta soldiers.
Are there hiking trails available near Peral's attractions?
Absolutely. The Montejunto mountain range, where many attractions are located, offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can find trails like the 'Route of the Windmills' or circular routes such as 'Trilho da Quinta da Serra' and 'Trilho dos Currais e Calçada'. For more details and routes, visit the Hiking around Peral guide.
What facilities are available at the Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto?
The Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto is well-equipped for visitors. It provides eight tables, a small bar, toilets, and a small playground, making it an ideal spot for a family outing in the chestnut woods.
Can I go camping in the Montejunto mountain range?
Yes, the Montejunto Rural Campsite is located in the heart of the Montejunto mountain range. It offers ample shade and capacity for 90 people, with facilities for tents and motorhomes, sanitary facilities, a communal barbecue area, and dishwashing/drying areas. It's free to use and includes a bar, tourist reception center, and an Environmental Interpretation Centre.
What is the significance of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows?
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows is a significant religious and historical site at the top of the Montejunto mountain range. It's a place of pilgrimage since at least the Middle Ages and stands next to the ruins of what is considered the first Dominican Convent in Portugal, built in the 12th century. The chapel itself has been remodelled and expanded over centuries, with notable 17th-century tiles and an 18th-century altarpiece.
Are there easy hiking options around Peral?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options around Peral, particularly in the Montejunto area. Examples include the 'View of Serra de Montejunto – Penha do Meio-Dia loop' (around 4 km) and the 'Serra Montejunto Bar loop' (around 3.5 km). You can find more easy trails in the Easy hikes around Peral guide.
What cycling routes are available near Peral?
Peral offers various cycling routes for different difficulty levels. You can find challenging routes like the 'Óbidos Lagoon – Lagoa de Óbidos Gravel Trail loop' (58.9 km) or moderate ones such as the 'Sanguinhal Spring – Bike Wash Station loop' (34.6 km). Explore more options in the Cycling around Peral guide.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Peral?
Visitors appreciate the diverse offerings around Peral, from the historical grandeur of the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows (Ruins) to the unique cultural experience of Bacalhôa Buddha Eden. The family-friendly facilities at the Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto and the natural beauty of the Montejunto mountain range are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Are there any viewpoints in the Peral region?
Yes, the Montejunto mountain range, particularly around the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, is known for its viewpoints. The area is often referred to as 'Torre' due to the antennas installed there, indicating its elevated position and potential for scenic views.
What kind of activities can I do in the Montejunto mountain range?
The Montejunto mountain range is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking on various trails, enjoy picnics at designated areas like the Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto, or even camp at the Montejunto Rural Campsite. The area also offers historical exploration with sites like the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows ruins and the Royal Ice Factory.
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