Parques de Portugal

Presentation

  • The Local Protected Landscape of Serras do Socorro e Archeira covers 1223 ha, having elements with patrimonial value, in terms of natural, historical (eg mills, forts), cultural and landscape, with geomorphological characteristics, generally based on a mountain corridor that integrates small riparian structures of the Sizandro river valley and the fringes of shrubs associated with it. It has areas with Portuguese oak and shrubs, agricultural and forest mosaic and riparian areas (i.e. vegetation of the riverbanks) in several stages of equilibrium, where orchids frequently occur. In the area it is possible to observe Upper Cretaceous fossils and fossil trunks, of scientific, museological and didactic interest.

     

    This protected area stands out from the surroundings in terms of relief, being constituted by the Socorro, Archeira, Galharda and Monte Deixo mountains, aiming to promote the protection, management and planning of the landscape, based on initiatives of participation of the local population.

     

    It is distributed, mainly, on the parish of Turcifal, Union of parishs of Dois Portos and Runa, also comprising small areas of the Union of parishes of S. Pedro and Santiago, Sta. Maria and S. Miguel and Matacães. To the south it borders with the municipality of Mafra where the southern slope of the Socorro mountain range develops.

     

    Follow the Route of Encantos, and contemplate part of the Historic Path of Lines of Torres, belonging to the 1st line of the defensive system against the French invasions constituted by the forts of Catefica, Feiteira and Archeira. The existing path allows you and to contact with the most diversified environments and sensations, being this one of the best ways to know the local protected landscape and to enjoy a fantastic panoramic view.

     

    This territory also offers privileged conditions for the practice of nature tourism on bicycle, allowing you to travel on two wheels to interesting places. For the more adventurous, it is possible to enjoy the downhill track, which starts at the top of the Socorro hills and ends at its foot.

     

    Enjoy the green landscapes, in a space of excellence, which was awarded as QualityCoast Nature Award by the EUCC - Coast & Marine Union and is part of the Top 100 of the world's most sustainable destinations.

     

    Some Protected Species (flora):

    - Arabis sadina – a Rock-Cress endemic to the centre-west of Portugal; Iberis procumbens ssp. microcarpa; Juncus valvatus – an endemic rush of Portugal, Tunisie and Algeria; Narcissus calcicola - a daffodil found in central, southern and western Portugal and in some Spanish provinces; Narcissus bulbocodium - Hoop petticoat daffodil; Ruscus aculeatus - Butcher's Broom; Salix salviifolia subsp. australis - White Willow; Silene longicilia – endemic to west central Portugal; Thymus villosus – an endemic thyme; and Ulex densus – a Gorse endemic to the central-west coast of Portugal.

     

    Plants with High Value:

    - Antirrhinum linkianum; Arabis planisiliqua (syn Arabis lusitanica) ; Quercus coccifera subsp. rivasmartinezii - Kermes Oak; Quercus auzandrii (syn Quercus airensis); and Ulex airensis – an endemic Gorse.

     

    Legend of the Our Lady of Socorro

    One night in November, there was a great storm, on the sea, and seven men were sailing in great distress. One of them, upon seeing the chapel of Our Lady of Socorro at the top of the hills, promised that if the storm stopped and they would be saved, he would place a glass in her altar. In this, the storm has stopped and the man fulfilled his promise.

  • Município de Torres Vedras

  • Mountain

    Rivers and similar

  • Lisbon and Tagus Valley

  • Torres Vedras

  • Access coming from:

    - Torres Vedras - N8 direction Lisbon and in Catefica, near the access to A8, follow to the road M 619-1;

    - Lisbon - A8 direction Leiria just to the exit to Torres Vedras Sul;

    - OPorto – A1 exit in the direction of Aveiro, converge with A25, continue on A17 towards Leiria. Take A8 to Torres Vedras Sul exit. Alternatively you can take N1 through Leiria to Rio Maior. From Rio Maior take IC2 to Alcoentre and N115 to Torres Vedras. Arriving in Torres Vedras, follow N8 Lisbon and, in Catefica, next to A8 Torres Vedras Sul.

     

    Public transports to the villages near the protected landscape

    Buses - Barraqueiro Oeste

  • Yes

  • With the purpose of protecting the existing natural and cultural values, highlighting the local identity and adopting measures compatible with the proposed objectives, among others the following activities are developed:

    - planning and management;

    - pedagogical;

    - technical-scientific;

    - sports, recreation and culture;

    - promotion of the forest heritage;

    - territory valuation.

  • 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, thunder or fog. Avoid going to the mountain 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 can also take a cellphone and a flashlight (don't start a fire or dispose of cigarette butts incorrectly). Take special precautions when you walk through wet and rocky areas to avoid falling and do not act in a way that might endanger yourself or others. Take note that, in some places, mines are present, therefore you should not leave the existing paths and trails.

    In case of an accident contact the emergency service 112. 

  • Identification signs on approach.

  • Interpretive Center of Serras do Socorro e Archeira Local Protected Landscape, Interpretive Center of Serra do Socorro. Picnic areas and two bird observatories.

  • No

  • Yes

  • <p> About 3 km southwest of the city of Torres Vedras, visit the <strong>Castro do Zambujal</strong>, one of the most complex prehistoric fortified settlements on the Iberian Peninsula.</p>

    About 3 km southwest of the city of Torres Vedras, visit the Castro do Zambujal, one of the most complex prehistoric fortified settlements on the Iberian Peninsula.

  • <p> <strong>Chafariz dos Canos </strong>(Fountain of the Pipes) - in the urban perimeter of Torres Vedras, this fountain is referred to in the 14<sup>th</sup> century. It is a covered pavilion having on the faces 5 ogival arches, standing out the interesting sets of gothic gargoyles and of the 4 shields in the columns faces.</p>

    Chafariz dos Canos (Fountain of the Pipes) - in the urban perimeter of Torres Vedras, this fountain is referred to in the 14th century. It is a covered pavilion having on the faces 5 ogival arches, standing out the interesting sets of gothic gargoyles and of the 4 shields in the columns faces.

  • <p> In <strong>Torres Vedras</strong>, visit the City council, the historic center and the castle and enjoy a bean cake.</p>

    In Torres Vedras, visit the City council, the historic center and the castle and enjoy a bean cake.

  • <p> Visit the <strong>Torres Vedras Lines</strong> that protected Lisbon from the 3<em>rd</em> Napoleonic invasion (1810). They were part of a set of fortifications made up of 3 lines with a total of 152 military constructions, 37 of which were in Torres Vedras, equipped with 523 artillery pieces and a communications system with signal stations.</p>

    Visit the Torres Vedras Lines that protected Lisbon from the 3rd Napoleonic invasion (1810). They were part of a set of fortifications made up of 3 lines with a total of 152 military constructions, 37 of which were in Torres Vedras, equipped with 523 artillery pieces and a communications system with signal stations.

  • <p> In the urban perimeter, the <strong>Torres Vedras Aqueduct</strong> extends for more than 2 km and supplies the Chafariz dos Canos (Fountain of the pipes). Where the Aqueduct passes over the river Sizandro and on the road connecting Torres Vedras to Runa it has only a monumental arch.</p>

    In the urban perimeter, the Torres Vedras Aqueduct extends for more than 2 km and supplies the Chafariz dos Canos (Fountain of the pipes). Where the Aqueduct passes over the river Sizandro and on the road connecting Torres Vedras to Runa it has only a monumental arch.

Weather Conditions

Weather Conditions em Serras do Socorro e Archeira Local Protected Landscape :

What you can do

Arroz de peito (breast rice), cachola, sarrabulho, kid lampião or kid serra do Socorro are typical dishes of this region, not forgetting the pastels of bean of Torres Vedras.

Any time of year is good for a stroll through the hills.

Did you know that there are birds that sing all year long? Well, let's make a birdwatching tour!

Nature blossoms, so try to photograph some orchids.

Visit the Landart - Art in the Landscape exhibition.

It is time to show that you are an athlete on the Trails and Ultra trails occurring in this region.

The good weather invites you for a stroll, so take a walk around the forts of Torres Vedras.

On August 5, attend the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Socorro.

Summer is time for festivals, pilgrimages and to receive the emigrants: 24 June - St. John the Baptist (Runa); 4-6 July - Annual non religious festival (Aldeia da Serra / Almeirinhos); 3rd weekend in July - Feast in honor of Jesus Morto (Turcifal); last Sunday of July - Feast of St. Joseph; 7-9 August - Feast of Our Lady of Nazareth (Orjariça e Catefica); 2nd Sunday of August - Feast of Our Lady of Guia (Furadouro); last Sunday of August - Mato Fair (Turcifal); 1st Sunday of September - Feast of Our Lady of the Angels (Two Ports); 12-15 September - Feast of Our Lady of Nazareth (Cadriceira); 13 September - Feast of Our Lady of Penha de França (Penedo) and feast of Our Lady of Health (Figueiredo).

In autumn, mushrooms appear. They are not flowers, but reproductive systems of some types of fungi. Did you see any?

Now that the weather is cool take a bike ride by the forts.

Who says there are no festivities in winter? January 22 is the Feast of Our Lady of Light and February 2 is the day of Our Lady of the Purification (Runa).

Winter is planting time, so come from there to participate in a tree planting activity.

It's carnival time and Torres Vedras Mardi Gras Parade is famous! Have a look!

Best Season: All year long

Contacts

Serras do Socorro e Archeira Local Protected Landscape (Headquarters)

Largo da Juventude, Cadriceira

2565-779 Turcifal

Tel.: (00351) 912 574 317

E-mail: areaprotegida@cm-tvedras.pt

SITE

 

Torres Vedras City Council

Av. 5 de Outubro

2560 Torres Vedras

Phone: (00351) 261 314 163

E-mail: geral@cm-tvedras.pt

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