The best cycling routes around Meca

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)

Famous climb to Montejunto from the Avenal side. The incline is very steep in the last 200 to 300 meters.

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)

Dirt road with little traffic and which provides excellent views over the south side of the Serra de Montejunto.

Agricultural farm located in the town of Abrigada, which was once known as Amieiro because of the trees until the 16th century. The new name Abrigada seems to derive from "A Brigada" due to the presence of brigantes in this area, near the road that runs from Alenquer to Leiria at the end of the 16th century, during the period of the Portuguese wars of succession after the death of Cardinal-King Henry I of Portugal, or because it is an area sheltered from the natural elements of the geographical and climatic zone in which it is located. Source of historical information: Wikipedia

A very interesting stretch that provides beautiful views over the southern side of the Montejunto mountain range. It does tend to be very muddy during the rainy season.

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.