The best road cycling routes around Santarém (Marvila)

The Roman Bridge of Muge is an ancient bridge located in Muge, in the municipality of Salvaterra de Magos, Portugal. Main features Location: It is located about 400 meters from an ancient Roman ceramic kiln discovered in the 1960s, and crosses the ribeira de Muge (Muge stream) in the small town of Porto Sabugueiro. Origin and structure: The main arch has a Roman origin clearly visible in the construction technique. The other two arches, smaller and of a different type, date back to the medieval period. Historical function: It was a fundamental crossing point of the Roman road network, connecting Muge with the interior of the country (Alentejo) and with the city of Santarém. Current status: The bridge is still passable and represents an important element of the local heritage identity, although it shows signs of age and the need for maintenance.

A tribute to the campino, that is, the traditional farmer of the region.

The house where José Saramago was born is located in the village of Azinhaga, in the municipality of Golegã, district of Santarém, Portugal. The Azinhaga House Location: The house is located on Rua da Igreja, in Azinhaga, a typical village in Ribatejo, known for its landscape of fertile fields and its proximity to the Tagus River. Foundation: Currently, the childhood home houses the José Saramago Foundation Delegation in Azinhaga, a space of memory that recreates the environment of the writer's childhood and houses a library and an auditorium. Visits: The place is open to visitors who wish to learn about the roots of the only Nobel Prize winner in Literature in the Portuguese language. The Lanzarote House Although he was born in Azinhaga, the writer's most emblematic residence is "The House" in Tías, on the island of Lanzarote, Spain. It was there that he lived for much of his adult life, and where his vast personal library is located; today it functions as the José Saramago House-Museum and is open to the public.

Pombalinho is a town in the district of Santarém, Portugal, known for being frequently affected by floods. This reputation is due to its strategic location on the right bank of the Tagus River and near the Alviela stream, in a floodplain area. Why do floods occur? Proximity to the Tagus River: The main cause of the floods is the town's location near the Tagus Riverbed. During rainy winters, the river overflows and floods the surrounding areas, which are alluvial plains. Increased flow rates: Heavy rainfall in Portugal, along with discharges from upstream Spanish dams, cause a significant increase in water levels and flow rates of the Tagus, resulting in floods in the Lower Tagus. Affected communication routes: Floods frequently submerge local and national roads, such as the EN 365 at Ponte do Alviela, temporarily isolating Reguengo do Alviela and other neighboring towns. Impact and Local Resilience Historical Events: Pombalinho has a history of major floods, with notable events recorded in 1964 and 1979. Adaptation of Residents: Local residents accept, to some extent, these periodic floods as part of life in the region, although abnormally high floods cause damage and concern. Alert and Prevention: Civil protection authorities issue warnings to the population during critical periods, asking them to take the necessary actions to protect themselves, their families, and property.

The Roman Bridge of Reguengo (or Reguengo Bridge) is an ancient bridge, probably of medieval origin with a Roman base, located between the towns of Vale de Figueira and Pombalinho, in the district of Santarém, Portugal. It crosses the Ribeira do Alviela, a tributary of the Tagus River. About the Bridge Location: The bridge is situated in a rural area and access to it is via a road that passes in front of the site. State of conservation: The bridge is described as an old and abandoned structure, and some visitors have noted a lack of signage or historical indications at the site. Access: The site is frequented by fishermen, and visitors should be discreet and careful, as the area is not ideal for carelessness, especially with children. Current use: The bridge is not used for regular road traffic, as a new bridge was built further downstream (downstream means towards the mouth of the river, further down) for the current road. Location Approximate address: Between Vale de Figueira and Pombalinho, Santarém, Portugal. GPS: 39°27'36.2" N 8°51'25.9" W (approximate coordinates for the area).

Built during the Roman period, it is an important vestige of that people's presence in the municipality. The Roman presence in the parish of Muge is clearly evident in the area of Porto de Sabugueiro. The most striking vestiges of this historical period are found here. Porto de Sabugueiro, due to its proximity to the Tagus River, was an important river port during the Roman period. Excavations and published studies define this location as an important Roman village, with ceramic production, due to the existence of a ceramic kiln found here in the 1960s. Approximately 400 meters from this location is the Roman Bridge, which crosses the Muge stream. The construction techniques used, especially in the larger arch, undoubtedly indicate a Roman origin; however, the two smaller arches, due to their typology, are attributable to the Middle Ages. This bridge was one of the main crossing points connecting Muge to the interior of the country (Alentejo) and to the city of Santarém. It possesses undeniable historical value, forming part of the memory and heritage identity of the municipality of Salvaterra de Magos. (Source: www.salvaterrademagos.pt)

A peaceful spot for a picnic, with several mountain bike trails nearby, as well as paved roads. A good starting point for some walks.

Gorgeous views! The climb to Alqueidão da Serra is tough for beginners.