The best cycling routes around Montemor-O-Novo

Cromeleque dos Almendres, located near Évora, is the largest and most important megalithic monument in the Iberian Peninsula. Built between the late 6th and 3rd millennium BC, it is about 2000 years older than Stonehenge. VisitEvora +3 This "Portuguese Stonehenge" is composed of about 95 granite monoliths (menhirs) arranged in circles and ellipses on a gentle slope in the Serra do Monfurado. VisitEvora +1

The Cromeleque dos Almendres, located in Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, Évora, is the most important megalithic monument on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in Europe. Composed of about 95 stone monoliths (menhirs) arranged in concentric circles, this enclosure is about 2,000 years older than the famous Stonehenge. 👍🥾

Santiago do Escoural is a beautiful rural village belonging to the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, in the heart of the Alentejo plain, where peace of mind reigns, surrounded by generous nature. This is a region occupied by man since very ancient times, and very rich in archaeological remains, the greatest example of which is the Escoural Archaeological Site, in Herdade da Sala, which is one of the most important in the country. But Santiago do Escoural has even more to offer, such as the Parish Church and the interesting Charcoal Kilns, the Quinta do Carvalhal or, very close by, the Anta de São Brissos, transformed into the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Livramento, or even the Parish Church of São Brissos. A stroll through its calm and picturesque Alentejo streets is worthwhile, in a region inhabited by humans for 50,000 years, which has maintained its rural and peaceful lifestyle over the years, wisely preserving its important archaeological heritage.

São Cristovão is a village in the Alentejo region, belonging to the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo. The foundation of this parish must predate 1534. The former parish of São Cristovão, within the territory of Montemor-o-Novo, was a curacy under the patronage of the Archbishop of Évora. Its economic activity is based on agriculture, livestock farming, bread making, and cattle breeding. São Cristovão is a white and welcoming village, smiling at every visitor, with natural heritage open to those who know how to discover it. It undoubtedly deserves a visit, especially for lovers of Alentejo gastronomy. There are good routes to explore by hiking or cycling in the area.

We are in the Central Alentejo, in the district of Évora, in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo, to visit the parish of São Cristovão. Halfway between Montemor-o-Novo and Alcácer do Sal, São Cristovão is a village on the sea plain on the way to the beaches. The origin of this village is closely linked to a legend, in which Saint Christopher is credited with choosing the location of the church, which is why the people chose this Saint as their Patron Saint and the unifying symbol of their Faith. The narrow valley of the Ribeira de São Cristovão is home to several "monuments" of natural architecture. On the edge of the village is the Church of São Cristovão, built in the 16th century. Inside it is a curious 16th century sculpture of the Patron Saint. The visit to São Cristovão continues with a trip to the so-called "Heel of the World" and the megalithic complex of Tojal. The "Heel of the World" is a large rock in the narrow and impressive valley of the Ribeira de São Cristovão. The foundation of this parish must have been before 1534. The old parish of São Cristovão, in the Montemor-o-Novo area, was a parish under the presentation of the Archbishop of Évora. Its economic activity is based on agriculture, livestock farming, baking and cattle breeding. São Cristovão is a white and welcoming village, smiling at each visitor, a natural heritage open to those who know how to discover it. It is undoubtedly worth a visit, especially for lovers of Alentejo cuisine.

The railway line, which was closed in 1988, was given new life in March 2009. Now known as the "Ecopista do Montado", the old route serves as a cycle and hiking path and runs for a total of 12.87 kilometers from the old Montemor-o-Novo train station over an old railway bridge, through the "Serra de Monfurado" nature reserve, to the old "Torre da Gadanha" train station. https://www.portugalismo.de/montemor-o-novo-alentejo/

Beautiful facility that has been closed off for safety reasons.

Unfortunately, access is currently restricted and there is a fence around the site. The vegetation needs to recover so that the soil is protected against erosion again.