Attractions and Places To See around Meca - Top 20

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)

The origins of the Ermida Bridge possibly date back to the end of the 15th century. A Royal Road passed through here, which was intended to connect the river port of Vila Nova da Rainha and Caldas da Rainha. It was the route of the royal and court routes since D. João II, and was also frequently used by D. João V and D. Carlos. All that remains of this 15th century Royal Road is the emblematic Ermida Bridge, a work of art structured and built in dressed stone and its sumptuous Romanesque arch, or round arch. Due to its total lack of conservation and because it has to support loads (heavy agricultural machinery) for which it was not designed, it is currently at risk of collapse, and its passage is even closed.

It is surrounded by beautiful and abundant trees and is a bridge with a Romanesque arch. There are several theories regarding its construction; some argue that it was built during the reign of D. João II, in order to facilitate the King's movement when he went to meet Queen D. Leonor for a swim in Caldas, while others claim that it was built in the 19th century due to a technical issue, namely its width. Interestingly, this bridge supports two enormous pine trees on the upper part of the road.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/