PR2 PTG Reguengo

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Beginning and ending at Reguengo parish church, this walking path goes through countryside which is particularly uneven, with ridges and peaks, escarpments and steep hills overlooking the gently undulating plain below, with its scattering of white houses, stretching out towards the horizon. Leaving the tarmac road, just outside Reguengo, we come across woodland, with oak, cork oak and pine. Further along the way there is a grove of chestnut trees showing signs of ageing. Both the sweet chestnut (for its nuts) and the horse chestnut (for forestry development) are common in the mountains, growing at altitudes of between 450 and 600 metres. The area adjoining the main buildings of Quinta da Relva estate is an interesting example of mixing indigenous species with exotic ornamentals, natural pastures and screens of cultivated trees providing protection from the wind. Higher up there is a pine forest with trees at various stages of growth. Then comes Quinta da Lameira, at 800 metres from the Reguengo parish council offices and from the end of the path, where there are various fountains, ponds, marble statues and decorative tiles that frame the 18th century building. REGUENGO means royal land. NATURE: the path passes through a priority area for the conservation of amphibians and reptiles. The most prevalent species are the Iberian frog, the midwife toad, the lizard fish and the five-toed legged snake. HERITAGE: Reguengo Parish church (18th century); and Manor house of Quinta da Lameira (18th century). HABDICRAFT: rag dolls, tapestries (Portalegre stitch), basketry and adufe from Portalegre. GASTRONOMY: grain baked with pods - Alentejo’s way; cod albardado; cachola; rabbit in wine and garlic; and fried hare. Sweets (blancmange, toucinho-do-céu, almond lamprey, candy eggs). Cherry from São Julião (Protected Designation of Origin).