Porto de Mós Ecotrail – Lena’s old mine railway
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In 1740, the coal extraction from Bezerra’s mine started, taking advantage of lignite levels of the Upper Jurassic. In 1928, was settled the only Mountain Mine Railway Line existing in Portugal, with an irregular path, in order to overcome Pevide sierra (Candeeiros sierra) with a slope steeper than 2% , on whose summit was opened an extensive tunnel (of Corredoura), now broken in two. Coming from Martingança, it passed by Batalha and Porto de Mós, following to Bezerra, near Serro Ventoso, where the coal extracted from this mine and from the one in Barrojeiras (Alcanadas) was carried. Also transported goods and passengers, being important for the trade, industry and agriculture of the area. Coal was used in industry, in Porto de Mós Thermoelectric Central (which supplied Porto de Mós and Batalha) and Maceira Cement Company. At the end of the 40th decade the railway line closed. In 1953, it was dismantled.
Taking advantage of the remaining sections of the old railway, Porto de Mós municipality has installed here the Ecopista of Porto de Mós, excellent to walk and to know this vast and beautiful landscape.
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In 1740, the coal extraction from Bezerra’s mine started, taking advantage of lignite levels of the Upper Jurassic. In 1928, was settled the only Mountain Mine Railway Line existing in Portugal, with an irregular path, in order to overcome Pevide sierra (Candeeiros sierra) with a slope steeper than 2% , on whose summit was opened an extensive tunnel (of Corredoura), now broken in two. Coming from Martingança, it passed by Batalha and Porto de Mós, following to Bezerra, near Serro Ventoso, where the coal extracted from this mine and from the one in Barrojeiras (Alcanadas) was carried. Also transported goods and passengers, being important for the trade, industry and agriculture of the area. Coal was used in industry, in Porto de Mós Thermoelectric Central (which supplied Porto de Mós and Batalha) and Maceira Cement Company. At the end of the 40th decade the railway line closed. In 1953, it was dismantled.
Taking advantage of the remaining sections of the old railway, Porto de Mós municipality has installed here the Ecopista of Porto de Mós, excellent to walk and to know this vast and beautiful landscape.
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Lisboa e Vale do Tejo
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Porto de Mós
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Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park
Identification and Access
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Yes
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Access to Bezerra from:
- Porto de Mós - N362 to Serro Ventoso and Rua (street) Principal;
- Rio Maior - IC2/N1. Exit to Vale de Ventos and follow to Arrimal and Portela de Vale de Espinho. Continue to Bezerra by R. Principal; or
- Leiria - A19 to Estr. de Porto Mós in Porto de Mós. Exit IC9 and take N243, N362 and R. Principal.
As soon as you see the sign Bezerra, take the street on your right (Rua das Figueirinhas). Ecotrail is at end near Bezerra's football field.
GPS: 39.553972, -8.843943
Base Characterization
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Touristic
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Rural.
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Public
Tips
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In Bezerra, you can see the huge hole where were the mines. Be careful and don’t enter, because the mine sealing can collapse.
