This walk will introduce us to the small town of Montemor-Novo. A land with history, surrounded by a typical Montado landscape, full of small farms and Alentejo hills, situated at the crossroads between Ribatejo and Alentejo and where the old Royal Road passed between Lisbon and Évora. On this 12-kilometre walk, we'll explore its old streets and the initial part of the Montado Ecotrail, which was once the old Montemor-o-Novo railway branch. We'll also pass by viewpoints with spectacular views over the city, the Church of Our Lady of Visitation, the Church of Mercy, the Staircase of the Backbreaker, the Castle, the Municipal Market and the bridges over the River Almansor. There's also time for a visit to the Montemor Castle Interpretive Centre. Another event not to be missed!

The municipality of Montemor-o-Novo

The municipality of Montemor-o-Novo is located in the Central Alentejo region, in the district of Évora. Its territory covers an area of 1232 square kilometres, making it one of the largest municipalities in the country, divided into 7 parishes. Montemorense's economy is markedly rural, with an emphasis on the production of meat, olive oil, wine, cork and cereals, most of which are regional products. In industrial terms, food units stand out. As for the services sector, this is essentially in the administration and personal services sectors.

Montemor-o-Novo Castle

The Clock Tower in the castle, a striking symbol of the city of Montemor-o-Novo, was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Dinis. It guarded the town gate, the main entrance, in one of the largest enclosures in the kingdom, with a perimeter of almost two kilometres. The extensive wall, with four gates, their towers and turrets, ensured the defence of the newly conquered town. It was in the 16th century that the town of Montemor reached its peak. Population and economic growth led to its expansion outside the walls, where there was more space and better conditions for housing and commerce, and to the gradual abandonment of the fortified centre. The monumental complex that makes up the castle of Montemor-o-Novo, the cradle of the current city, is today an important tourist and leisure centre, much frequented by the local population and visited by those from outside the region!

Chapel of Our Lady of the Visitation

The hermitage of Nossa Senhora da Visitação is one of the most visited and venerated places in Montemor-o-Novo. The view of the castle makes it possible to distinguish the chronological evolution of the city, from south to north, starting within the walls, extending up the hill and occupying the entire space up to the hermitage, which was once isolated. The cult of this place has persisted for over 500 years. The festivals in honour of Our Lady of the Visitation have been held since that time, and are one of the most popular and longest-lasting religious events in the municipality of Montemor-o-Novo.

The building, built at the beginning of the 16th century and extended in the 18th century, is in the Manueline style. On the façade, the eighteenth-century tile panel depicts the visitation of St Isabel. Inside, the tiles lining the nave are from the 18th century and allude to the life of Mary.

- Montemor Public Garden - Castle and Interpretive Centre - Old Town of Montemor - Old Railway Station - Montado Ecotrail - Railway Bridge over the River Almansor - Our Lady of Visitation Church - Misericórdia Church - Quebra-Costas Staircase - Municipal Market - Natural landscapes -