Best attractions and places to see around Alcoentre encompass a variety of historical sites and natural areas in Portugal. The region is characterized by the Serra de Montejunto mountain range, which hosts significant historical ruins and natural landscapes. Visitors can explore architectural projects like the Pina Manique Palace and wetlands such as Paúl de Manique do Intendente, recognized for its biodiversity. The area offers opportunities for outdoor exploration, including dedicated picnic areas and campsites.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
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Highlight • Religious Site
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Highlight • Rest Area
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The palace was built by the superintendent Diogo Inácio de Pina Manique (1733-1805), who held several positions during the time of the Marquis of Pombal. His connection to the town, which came to be called Manique do Intendente and was initially called Alcoentrinho, and which belonged to the Order of Christ, dates back to the time of his uncle, who established a manor in favor of his nephew in 1773. Thus began a very ambitious project, which envisaged the creation of a town with a rationalist architectural design and which included, in addition to the palace (whose construction remained unfinished), the Town Hall, the pillory, the Palace of Justice and the church. This plan did not go ahead due to Pina Manique's removal from the position of superintendent and his premature death.
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At this location at the top of the Serra de Montejunto, also known as "Torre" due to the various antennas that were installed there, is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, which may have been built in the 13th century and remodelled and expanded during the 16th century and later. Inside, the altars covered with 17th century tiles and the altarpiece of the main altar, from the 18th century, stand out. Next to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, are the ruins of what is considered to be the first Dominican Convent in Portugal, built in the 12th century and abandoned after the extinction of the religious orders, and is currently in ruins. Also nearby are the ruins of the Royal Ice Factory, classified as a National Monument. Here, in the 18th century, the Dominican monks took advantage of the climatic and geological conditions and opened large tanks connected by narrow passages, one part for the production of ice and the other for its preparation, storage and conservation. The ice was later transported to Lisbon, to supply the court and the café at Terreiro do Paço, later known as Martinho da Arcada (Fernando Pessoa's Café)
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The Nossa Senhora das Neves Chapel, located at the top of the Serra de Montejunto, has been a place of pilgrimage since the medieval period, prior to the construction of the first Dominican monastery in the 13th century.
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The Serra de Montejunto picnic area is next to the Interpretation center and a little further from the campsite. Nearby there is a small bar and toilets.
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The Serra do Montejunto Rural Camping Park is located close to the Environmental Interpretation Center and the Real Fábrica do Gelo. With capacity for 90 people, 24 tents and 6 motorhomes, it has sanitary facilities separated by sex, a communal barbecue area and designated areas for washing dishes and drying clothes.
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Located in the chestnut woods, it connects the Real Fábrica do Gelo complex and the Environmental Interpretation Centre. The Park has eight tables, with an average capacity of six to eight people per table. As support structures for its use, it has a small bar, toilets and a small playground.
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“Paul Natura”, Manique do Intendente https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nKhlLvOrJw
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Paúl de Manique do Intendente is an area of around 97,000 square meters that constitutes a very rich natural heritage of great importance in terms of biodiversity, namely in terms of avifauna, already recognized at national level. It is an ecosystem composed of more than 180 species, where you can find 5 "simply unique" species such as the striped tortoise, the common caiman, the otter, the black stork and the reed. The municipality has been focusing on promoting this space, having recently advanced with the installation of an infrastructure for the observation of the fauna and flora of Pául, which aims to promote knowledge, protection and preservation of this unique and so rich ecosystem for the Municipality of Azambuja and for the entire region.
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The region offers several significant historical sites. You can visit the Pina Manique Palace, an ambitious 18th-century architectural project that remained unfinished. Another must-see is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows (Ruins), located on the Serra de Montejunto, which includes remains of what is considered the first Dominican Convent in Portugal, dating back to the 13th century.
Yes, the Paúl de Manique do Intendente is a significant natural wetland area recognized for its rich biodiversity, especially its avifauna. It's an ecosystem home to over 180 species, including unique ones like the striped tortoise and black stork. The municipality has installed infrastructure for fauna and flora observation there.
The Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto is an excellent choice for families. Situated within chestnut woods, it offers tables, a bar, and a small playground. It's conveniently located near the Environmental Interpretation Centre.
The area around Alcoentre, particularly the Serra de Montejunto, is great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find various routes for mountain biking, road cycling, and running. For detailed trails, explore the MTB Trails around Alcoentre, Road Cycling Routes around Alcoentre, and Running Trails around Alcoentre guides.
Yes, the Montejunto Rural Campsite is located in the heart of the Montejunto mountain range. It offers ample shade, capacity for 90 people, and facilities including a bar, tourist reception center, and an Environmental Interpretation Centre. It's free to use and has areas for tents and motorhomes.
While specific 'easy' trails are not detailed, the region's natural areas like the chestnut woods around the Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto and the observation paths at Paúl de Manique do Intendente offer pleasant, less strenuous walking opportunities suitable for families and beginners to enjoy nature.
The Paúl de Manique do Intendente wetland is particularly known for its rich avifauna, with over 180 species. You might also encounter unique species such as the striped tortoise, common caiman, otter, and black stork in this protected ecosystem.
The Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows (Ruins), situated at the top of the Montejunto mountain range, is a notable viewpoint. From this elevated position, visitors can enjoy expansive views of the surrounding landscape.
The Serra de Montejunto mountain range is a central feature of the region, hosting significant historical ruins like the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows (Ruins) and natural landscapes. It also provides facilities such as the Picnic Area and the Montejunto Rural Campsite, making it a hub for both history and outdoor recreation.
Yes, for instance, the Picnic Area of Serra de Montejunto provides tables, a small bar, toilets, and a playground. The Montejunto Rural Campsite also has a bar, tourist reception, and an Environmental Interpretation Centre, along with sanitary facilities and communal barbecue areas.
The Pina Manique Palace was part of an ambitious 18th-century project by Diogo Inácio de Pina Manique to create a rationalist village. Although the palace itself remained unfinished, the plan envisioned a comprehensive architectural configuration including a Town Hall, pillory, Palace of Justice, and church, making it a unique example of unfulfilled urban planning.


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