This hike takes place in Arruda dos Vinhos and the surrounding mountains, in a rural setting with superb views from the Alto do Forte da Carvalha, at almost 400 metres above sea level, where you can see from Lisbon, the Serra de Montejunto, the Lezírias, the Tagus River and the western coastline. A panoramic view of the entire surrounding area that will leave no-one indifferent, from one of the most important Forts of the Lines of Torres Vedras!

At the end of this 15-kilometre route, we'll have our social lunch to keep the tradition going. Another event not to be missed!

The origin of the name “Arruda dos Vinhos”:

Arruda, a historic town to which the first reference dates back to 1160, when King Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, granted it a charter. Archaeological remains and toponymic references suggest that this territory began to be settled a few centuries before Christ. However, controversy over the origin of the place name Arruda has prevailed throughout its existence.

The most consistent theory has to do with its geographical location, its territorial layout as a crossing point, combined with the fertility of the land. It has also been known since ancient times for growing vegetables and, above all, for producing wine. Wine is a hallmark not only of Arruda, but also of the Western region, which is closer to the capital. The wines from Torres Vedras, Dois Portos, would be transported to the Tagus (according to the authors in S. Iria da Azóia, since there are historical references to the «Lisbon wine called ansoye» (p.5). and then exported on merchant ships. Arruda was also a route for the Caminhos de Santiago, through the parish of Santiago, which was founded by crusaders in the 12th century.

Carvalha Fort

Located near the town of Carvalha, at the highest point in the municipality, it protected the Arruda Valley along with the Cego Fort, allowing crossfire on the enemy in the event of an attempt to break through. In defensive terms, the gunboats had a slabbed floor, the ground having been previously prepared by filling it with stones bound with mortar. It also had a traverse built into the ground, which served as protection against enemy fire.

National Monument since 27 March 2019.

The Arruda dos Vinhos Circuit includes the Lines of Torres Vedras Interpretation Centre, the Cego Fort and the Carvalha Fort.

Location: Alto da Carvalha, Parish of S. Tiago dos Velhos
Altitude: 394 m
Structures: Armoury, 4 gunboats equipped with 2 pieces of 9 calibre and 2 pieces of 12 calibre.
Capacity: 400 soldiers

- Arruda dos Vinhos - Chafariz - Forte da Carvalha - Moinho do Céu - Quintas de Pé-do-Monte - Moinhos - Aldeia da Mata - Natural landscapes -