PR6 PTG Salão frio

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This path takes us through the surrounding area of Portalegre, along its north-eastern highest points, sometimes with panoramic city views from which we can identify some of its most emblematic buildings, other times by ancient narrow stone-paved roadways, passing numerous properties and small villages. This is very green pathway, with numerous groves of Pyrenean oak, chestnut trees, cork oak and pine that are home to other flora and fauna. The abundance of mosses and lichens covering the walls and tree trunks are not only an indication of the cool atmosphere of the place, but of its air quality as well. In its more eastern section we have marvelous views of São Mamede mountain. Thanks to the unpolluted air of this mountain, João Augusto de Carvalho Serra, a shoes merchant from Portalegre, was responsible for the tourist development of that Alentejo city, located on the slope of a mountain with breathtaking views and excellent air. Owner of some properties on the mountain, it has around 1912, after a doctor advised him to take his son, suffering from asthmatic bronchitis, to the purest air of the mountain, that he had the brilliant idea to create a resort there. The success of the initiative was thunderous and, in 1927, the newspaper "A Rabeca" announced that, as result from the suggestion of a pleased guest, the resort had been baptized as “Quinta da Saúde” (Health Farm). Towards the end we go down by Estrada do Boletim Meteorológico and we pass along Portalegre’s Weather Station. Just below, is the old watchtower called Atalaião. This powerful square tower was strategically built in one of the lofty parts of the city, serving as a lookout point and defensive structure. It is believed that it dates from the same period in which the castle was built (13th century), also following the Gothic construction model. It was remodeled at the end of the 16th century / beginning of the 17th century. Abandoned for more than two centuries, it is in ruins. It is private property, so the access is restricted. Returning to Estrada da Serra, we can still relax and enjoy another view of the city from either the Fountain of Amores, or from the viewpoint a few meters ahead. NATURE: special mention for patches of Pyrenean oak and Chestnut trees, with Cork oaks and Strawberry trees, where we find some rare plants, such as the short-leaved helleborine (Cephalanthera longifolia an orchid), the Solomon's seal (Polygonatum odoratum) and the Three-birds-flying (Linaria triornithophora), an Iberian endemism. HERITAGE: historic monuments of Portalegre. HANDICRAFT: 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).