Azambuja - Santarém

To leave Azambuja, we overcome again the unavoidable barrier of the railway line. We get immediately into the immensity of the marshland, following the road for 1.5 km until we reach Vala Real, where we deviate to the left and follow the main canal, and then a secondary canal, on your right. If you come with time, in the place before the road exit follow instead the detour to the right through the cultivated fields, and discover this section of Vala Real until its mouth (about 3.5 km), a canal with a total length of 26 km built at the behest of Marquês de Pombal, in the 18th century. Near the mouth, be sure to appreciate the natural charm of the surrounding flora and fauna and find the Palácio da Rainha. Although it is in an advanced state of degradation, it was a landmark at the end of the 18th century, functioning as a warehouse and hostel to support the group of steam boats that circulated in the Tejo. We come back to the previous point and, at the end of the secondary canal, we reach again the almost deserted road, through which we follow, among cultivated fields to lose sight, until Aldeia do Reguengo. As a curiosity, we suggest here a detour of 1 km towards the river Tejo, to the site of Palhota, where there are important records of the so-called "Avieira Culture", candidate for National Heritage (see box). From Reguengo to Valada, we walk 2 km without history, but we advise you to stop and recover your energy in this small but typical Ribatejo village. Head to Rua da Cova da Onça, along the dyke on the Tejo riverbanks until Porto de Muge, an old resort in Roman times. From here you have the option to take the additional 2.5 km road to Muge and pass over the century-old Rainha D. Amélia bridge over the Tejo. Before proceeding to Santarém, make sure you have all the supplies and water needed, because you won’t find other support points until the end of this stage. Entering through Rua do Sabugueiro, you now have about 10 km of dirt track ahead, before reaching the tarmac road that passes under a viaduct and flanks the airfield, then passing through the village of Onias, already in the city vicinity. On your left you will now have to face the final ascent of the Calçada da Junqueira sidewalk which, on hot days, turns out to be a real ordeal! Maybe that's why, almost 200 years ago, someone wanted to ease the pilgrims suffering and ordered the construction of a fountain in the middle of the arduous climb. The water is unsuitable for drinking, but the tanks refresh our sore feet and soul... We finally enter Santarém and head for Largo Cândido dos Reis square. In front of the mall you will find an interpretative panel that marks the place where the Paths of Santiago and Fátima split.

 

Maintenance Authority: Turismo do Alentejo, ERT

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