The best traffic-free bike rides in Paisagem Protegida Da Serra De Montejunto

Using only the natural power of the wind as the driving force, the heavy millstones are moved, and for example, grain kernels are ground into flour (grain mills) or olives are pressed into oil (oil mills). Miguel de Cervantes (1547 to 1616) also created a literary monument to the ancient tradition of windmills: the most famous character of the author, considered Spain's national poet, whose work can certainly be appreciated as world literature: "Don Quixote," also known as the "Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance." He is always accompanied by his loyal squire Sancho Panza, and in one of the highly imaginatively narrated episodes, he engages in a – naturally hopeless – battle against windmills, in which he believes he recognizes four-armed giants.

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.

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

The "Moinho de Avis" is not only a beautiful sight, the miller, Senhor Miguel Nobre, is using the mill for what it was built for: milling flour! Miguel Nobre was originally a cabinet maker, then specialized in restoring windmills all over Portugal. When he came into possession of the Moinho de Avis (and the one next to it) he was determined to bring it back to life and use it. The milling stones never came in contact with pesticides as the mill had fallen into disrepair before these chemicals were used. He was determined to keep it like this. He is growing and milling mainly ancient Portuguese grains (Preto-Amarello, Barbela and Aveia Selvagem). Following a recipe from his Grandfather he is mixing these grains for his "Mistura de Avó" (Grandfather Mixture). When I visited the last time (May 2024) he was super happy because his "Mistura de Avó" had just been declared national heritage by the United Nations. The mill is usually open for visitors on the weekends.

Very beautiful location, very good road

Built in 1810 and last restored in 2008, Moinho de Avis is the largest windmill in Portugal. It is found in Serra do Montejunto, which has a large number of windmills.

Very pleasant path that runs around Montejunto. It offers beautiful landscapes of the region. Some sections have loose stone floors, so it is worth paying attention.