GR12 E7 - Tejo Panoramic Trail

Between the Bridge over the Zêzere (built in 1892) and the Bridge over the Tejo (built in 1862), on the slope of the Zêzere castle (disappeared castle, rebuilt in the second half of the 12th century by the Order of the Temple) we see a breathtaking landscape, with the Zêzere river flowing into the Tejo and the village of Constância as a backdrop. Continuing to Praia do Ribatejo, we can observe the storks and the grandeur of some buildings, which witness the golden age of the wood-cutting industry, transported down the Zêzere river. Then comes the Pai-Avô Quay, a docking area for fishing boats, followed by the Fonte da Galiana where we can observe several types of birds on the rocks, including cormorants. Through tree tunnels we then spot Almourol Castle (rebuilt in 1171 by Gualdim Pais), the fortress with the most beautiful scenic setting in Portugal, visitable by typical boats. Nearby, on the right bank of the Tejo, there is the Convent of N. Sr.ª do Loreto (year of construction 1572). The village of Tancos now appears and the Cais d’El Rei, with a superb view over Almourol and the Arripiado, a charming mosaic of memories, stories and life that still today mark the landscape of this unique site in Portugal. The route continues through the place of the Tejo river diversion (that happened in 1545), then through the shipwright’s workshop to the riverside park of V. N. da Barquinha, a leisure area with 7 hectares where the Contemporary Sculpture Park, the Park Gallery and the Templar Interpretation Center of Almourol are installed.