This walk will introduce us to the Cágados Trail, inaugurated in 2020 by a group of three trail enthusiasts. This route in the parish of Vila Chã de Ourique will take us through marvellous landscapes, where we can see the connection between the moorland and the lezíria and which offers us the best that nature has to offer, with very challenging trails. This is a route that should be undertaken by those who already have experience of hiking and in some parts it is recommended to use a walking stick and dexterity for some of the steeper descents. Another event not to be missed!

At the end of the walk, anyone who wants to can join in for a group lunch!

Vila Chã de Ourique

The history of Vila Chã de Ourique is inextricably linked to the Battle of Ourique, which is believed to have taken place in this parish on 25 July 1139, as several historians claim.

When King Afonso Henriques decided to ravage the outskirts of Santarém in 1139, he set up camp near Vale da Pinta, between the town and Chãas de Ourique. The land where the battle took place between the Christian troops and the troops under Esmar's command was called Chãas de Ourique, which belonged for a long time to the House of the Counts of Unhão.

In the charter given by Manuel Pedro Teles to establish the settlement of Casal d'Ourique, or Ouro, it is mentioned that these lands were the wasteland of "Chãs d'Ourique". All this land must have been practically depopulated in the 14th century, with only the ruins of abandoned settlements remaining as a result of the continuous fighting that took place.

The parish was created on 20 January 1907, when it was detached from the parish of Cartaxo. In 1926 it adopted its current name and in 1997 it was elevated to a town. Given the potential of the land in this parish, vineyards and wine production play a fundamental role in the local economy. Vila Chã de Ourique is also home to the municipality's main business area, where around two dozen companies are based.

The parish covers an area of 33.2 square kilometres and has around 3,000 inhabitants.

- Vila Chã de Ourique - Ripilau picnic park - Vale D'Algares - Cágados trail - Vineyards - Natural landscapes -