Presentation
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Montejunto Mountain ridge (the Protected Area covers 3710 ha) is of limestone nature, and its covering vegetation is comprised by plants that naturally adapted to the geological conditions that occur in this place, of these, the holm oak and the kermes oak dominate. Evident flora diversity, mainly when compared to the surrounding area, with 400 plant species identified. Despite the increasing fires and the growing eucalypti plantation there are still small sweet chestnut, cedar tree, cypress and pine woods, and an extensive cover of bush species. In the bird fauna domain there is a presence of 75 species of birds, 10 of which have a threatened status.
There was human occupation in the Neolithic and there are many archaeological remnants (necropolis caves) and fortified populations (castles). The top of the mountain was chosen as the location for the first Dominican convent in Portugal, in the XII century, near the S. João Batista e da Senhora das Neves hermitage. In Quinta da Serra was built, around the XVIII century, the Real Fábrica do Gelo, which had the purpose of supplying "snow" to Lisbon.
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Municípios de Cadaval e de Alenquer
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Mountain
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Lisbon and Tagus Valley
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Alenquer
Cadaval
Identification and Access
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Access coming from:
- south through Alenquer - IC2 passing through Cheganças and Ota and turning to Abrigada through the N1-4, and heading in the direction of Pragança through the road named Francisco Pinheiro Gorjão Street, following the indications to "Montejunto / Fábrica do Gelo";
- Cadaval - N115 towards Cercal, and through the N115-1 at the "Cercal/Montejunto" sign. Continue until the intersection with the Pragança road and, after you cross this location, continue to the top of the mountain following the signs for "Montejunto / Fábrica do Gelo".
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Yes
Tip
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Visit the ice factory to discover that eating ice creams is an ancient tradition. The mountain is also one of the best sightseeing spots of the Estremadura, like an island anchored in agricultural terrains.
To observe the fauna leave early in the morning or a bit before dusk. Bring binoculars and a camera, if you have them. Always pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid performing activities in days of rain, thunderstorm or fog. Avoid going out by yourself, but, if you do, inform an acquaintance or a local entity of your departure and return. Use simple and comfortable clothes. Make outerwear, food, water, sunscreen and/or a raincoat available. You may also want to take a cellphone and flashlight (do not start a fire and don't dispose of cigarette butts incorrectly). Take special precautions when walking in moist and rocky areas, to avoid falling and do not act in a way that might endanger yourself or others. Take note that, this being a limestone area, there are cavities in some places, which sometimes are very deep and not too visible, therefore you should not stray off the existing trails and paths.
In case of an accident contact the emergency service 112.
Supports in place
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The Protected Landscape has directional and informative signs throughout all of its area.
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No
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No
Statutes of Conservation
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PTCON0048 Serra de Montejunto (Montejunto Mountain)
near you
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In Alenquer, homeland of Damião de Góis (an important Portuguese historian, musicologist and diplomat of the sixxteenth century), visit the Municipal Museum Hipólito Cabaço, the Wine Museum and the Museum João Mário.
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In the town of Cadaval, taste the ‘páo-de-ló’ of Painho, the famous sweet of the "colheitas" (harvests) and the Montejunto’s honey. Don’t forget to buy the excellent fruits produced in the region. On the 3rd Saturday of each month, enjoy and go to the monthly fair. On December 8, it is time for the fair of the tasteful pine nuts.
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Weather Conditions
What you can do
1. With about 400 species of plants, take time to see the flowers.
2. Enjoy the good days to have a picnic in the picnic parks on the hills.
3. Climbing the mountain by N1-4 and after Abrigada, in some farmlands try to see/hear several passerines.
1. Take a mountain bike and enjoy the scenery.
2. Go for a walk and eat in the picnic area.
3. Enjoy the pilgrimages to the shrines of S. João Batista (St. John the Baptist - June 24) and Senhora das Neves (Lady of the Snows - August 5) and climb to the mountain.
1. On a cloudless day, reach the top of the mountain and try to see Berlengas archipelago. Take a picture of the landscape!
2. In September / October go to feast of Adiafas and light wine
1. At Quinta de Serra, visit the ice factory that supplied the kings in Lisbon from the eighteenth century on.
2. Climb the mountain by Ota, following the N1-4 and try to see small bands of Eurasian Skylark and Northern Lapwing - this species is known as cold bird, maybe because appears in winter.
3. On the night of 5 to 6 of January, in Pereiro and Avenal villages, celebrate “Pintar e Cantar os Reis” Paint and Sing the Kings, a tradition of medieval origin.
Best Season: All year long
Paisagem Protegida da Serra de Montejunto
Câmara Municipal do Cadaval (Cadaval Municipality)
Av. Dr. Francisco Sá Carneiro
2550-103 CADAVAL
Telephone: (00351) 262 690 100
E-mail: geral@cm-cadaval.pt
Câmara Municipal de Alenquer
Praça Luís Camões
2580-318 ALENQUER
Telephone: (00351) 263 730 900
