The best road cycling routes around Ota

Just before entering the town of Sobral do Monte Agraço

publication of the royal charter of 26 July 1811, which, in order to mitigate the devastating effects of the French invasions, prescribed, among many other measures, the distribution of seeds to farmers in order to re-establish cereal production. The Real Celeiro was active for over sixty years, between 1812 and 1873, but, quoting Guilherme Henriques, “it died, like all good institutions, annihilated by abuses”. The City Council now holds the archive of the old Celeiro, which, although not very voluminous, nevertheless allows us to reconstruct almost the entire history of this important local institution of the 19th century. Commissioned to be rebuilt by the Municipality of Alenquer in 2002, it opened its doors as the Wine Museum and headquarters of the Lisbon Wine Route in 2006. Its interior was remodeled and its museology project renewed at the end of 2018, and it reopened its doors to visitors in February 2019. (Source: www.alenquer.pt)

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)

Road that connects the village of Abrigada to the Serra de Montejunto, crossing one of the most beautiful sections of the Serra de Montejunto. A steep route but worth the effort.

Founded in the year 970 of the Christian era (which is why it is currently considered an ancient town), during the reign of the Moorish king D. Ramiro III, it was first given the name of al-quniTrâ”, a diminutive of “al-qanTarâ”, or Alcântara, which means – the small bridge. Alcoentre received its first charter from D. Afonso Henriques in the city of Coimbra, in October 1174, and became the oldest administrative unit and local district in the municipality of Azambuja. Since Alcoentre was registered by the Crown, it remained “land of the king” (or land of the king) until D. Dinis. During this reign, it ceased to be land of the king, also known as Lavrador, and began a long journey as land of private manorial jurisdiction. This charter was reformulated by D. Manuel in Lisbon, on 26 September 1513.

Operating since April 2006 in a 19th-century building, the Wine Museum exhibits, offers tastings and allows the purchase of the best wines from the region. Around 20 producers from the Lisbon Wine Routes Association are represented.

The Alenquer Castle dates back to the Middle Ages, when the Moors dominated the area of the parish of Alenquer. The fortress was reused throughout history, from the period of King D. Afonso Henriques until D. João I, when the castle and walls were severely attacked due to a betrayal by the mayor of Alenquer.

Museum established in 2006 and remodeled in 2018, where the stories of 40 wine producers from the municipality of Alenquer are represented. Occupying the space of the old public barn where the seeds of the region's farmers were stored, the institution seeks to provide visitors with an excellent experience in paying homage to wine. Source: www.freguesiaalenquer.pt