Central Way
Santa Cruz < > Almodôvar
Stage 2
When we leave Santa Cruz the landscape changes. In front of us lies now, far out of sight, the soft relief of the undulating plain of Baixo (Low) Alentejo. The views widen and a quiet stage is foreseen, conducive to contemplation.Extensive crops are found in non-fenced properties, as rarely seen in the Alentejo, framed by magnificent secular holmoaks, cork-oaks and tame pine plantations. Throughout the four seasons the landscape takes on different shades, during spring it explodes in a profusion of colors, of flowering herbs and shrubs, and in the autumn it is no less impressive when, just after the first rains, a vivid green cover appears on the thick red earth.It is also the domain of grazing, where the so-called “Campos de Ourique” begin, which welcomed the ancestral annual transhumance, traveling hundreds of kilometers from Serra da Estrela. We often cross with flocks of curious sheep, whose calves approach without fear, to the traveler’s delight.
Almodôvar
This second stage ends in Almodôvar, village, and county, which offers numerous cultural, gastronomic and tourist attractions in general. Due to its strategic location between the Alentejo and the Algarve, until the middle of the last century, Almodôvar was an important commercial warehouse and a center of artisans, dedicated to an immense variety of arts and crafts, where the cobblers dominated (see the huge sculpture in homage to the cobbler by Aureliano Aguiar, in the Rotunda do Sapateiro roundabout).
In the origin (1239), the forest of Almodôvar was the western limit of the possessions that the Order of Santiago had in Mértola. The village only had regional centrality from 1285, date of the first charter of Almodôvar, donated by King D. Dinis. From 1297, the town was integrated into the Order of Santiago, which established a commendation here until the end of the 18th century. Land of viola campaniça (guitar) and cante alentejano (local singing style), Almodôvar is still a center of traditional footwear manufacture.
Cobres bridge and well
It is possible that the bridge has a Roman origin since Almodôvar was implanted in the proximity of an old imperial road that linked Alcácer do Sal to the Algarve. The current configuration of the bridge is medieval, as indicated by its structure. The first reference is from 1375 and, until the road uprising in the 19th century, it was the departing point from Almodôvar to the south and arrival point for those coming from the Algarve or from Mértola. The access to the center would follow the current Rua da Ponte Romana.
Convent of Nossa Senhora da Assunção
The Franciscan monastery of Our Lady of Assumption had its origin in a small hermitage, which already existed in 1630. Half a century later, by the patronage of Fernando Guerreiro, a man of local prestige who was buried in a flat grave in front of the main altar of the convent church, the constitution of a convent was promoted, the only in the history of Almodôvar.
Main Church of Rosário
An outwardly modest building, its interior is a real catalog of devotions, considering the quantity and quality of the mural painting which, at the beginning of the 18th century, was applied to the side walls. Among the many saints represented, a painting depicting Santiago as Matamouros (Moor-Slayer) stands out: on horseback, with his drawn sword and shield with the Order of Santiago cross, fighting the infidels without mercy.
Main Church of Santo Ildefonso
The Main Church of St Il-dephonse already existed in 1320, but the present majestic church-hall look dates from a complete reconstruction, which took place at the end of the 16th century under the design of the royal architect Nicolau de Frias.The commission was from the Order of Santiago, whose local commander in 1592, D. Diogo de Castro, ordered the work to be completed.
and also...
Medieval Market of Almodôvar − April
FACAL (Arts and Culture Fair) − July
Mushroom and Arbutus Fair − November
Southwest Writing Museum
The Southwest Writing Museum reflects the starting point for the understanding of history and shows the ancestral way used to communicate.by the inhabitants of this territory for more than 2500 years. The exhibition presents, in a didactic, functional and aesthetic way, the evolution of spelling and written knowledge, where it is possible to contemplate stone steles engraved with the oldest writing of the Iberian Peninsula.
Few farms and hills of stone and mud, some in complete ruin, attest to the dispersed human occupation, especially for agricultural support of the owners and workers living in Almodôvar and other surrounding villages. In the “Dadorde” area we discovered that it was after all the place of the Quinta “Da Ordem” (of Santiago), now partially recovered for leisure accommodation. Recently, a metallic wayside cross was found there, where probably many other historical remains have yet to be discovered, and was rebuilt.
About halfway through the stage, we pass at Monte João Dias, where the few residents welcome us with sympathy and share with us the little they have at their disposal. From now on we follow an old road, now reopened until we cross the river and travel another 3 km to the village of Guedelhas for a coffee or something more substantial.
After Guedelhas, the Path intersects with the only stretch of road (2 km) of the stage and then turns right onto the new rural path towards Monte de Pero Guerreiro (the toponymy revealing the historical roots). Then, from hill to hill, including a “molhapés” (foot-wet), if there is enough water, in the crossing of the Oeiras stream (Moinho do José Caetano), we get close to Almodôvar.
Turning a final hill, Almodôvar appears as a shining white oasis, set in the valley of the Ribeira de Cobres, and as we go down we accelerate our enthusiastic pace with the prospect of a tastier meal or a more comfortable sleep than those we’ve had in the last two days.
The Path leads to road 267 and is signposted to follow on the left, entering the village by the new bridge over the Ribeira de Cobres and following until the Igreja Matriz de Almodôvar (Main Church). However, if you want to have the experience of crossing the old bridge (medieval but built on the site of another one of Roman origin), you should turn right and left again at about 100 meters. Once you have crossed the bridge, you will have no difficulty in finding your way to the Igreja Matriz.toponymy revealing the historical roots).
Then, from hill to hill, including a “molhapés” (foot-wet), if there is enough water, in the crossing of the Oeiras stream (Moinho do José Caetano), we get close to Almodôvar. Turning a final hill, Almodôvar appears as a shining white oasis, set in the valley of the Ribeira de Cobres, and as we go down we accelerate our enthusiastic pace with the prospect of a tastier meal or a more comfortable sleep than those we’ve had in the last two days.The Path leads to road 267 and is signposted to follow on the left, entering the village by the new bridge over the Ribeira de Cobres and following until the Igreja Matriz de Almodôvar (Main Church). However, if you want to have the experience of crossing the old bridge (medieval but built on the site of another one of Roman origin), you should turn right and left again at about 100 meters. Once you have crossed the bridge, you will have no difficulty in finding your way to the Igreja Matriz.
Tips
Always carry water, supplies, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof, comfortable shoes, and a map.
Where to Sleep
Monte dos Três Moinhos, Santa Cruz
Quinta Cerro do Seixo, Monte das Viúvas
A Casa da Cerca, Almodôvar
Casa da Igrejja, Almodôvar
A Casa da Vila, Almodôvar
Apartamentos Camões, Almodôvar
Casa de Campo Corvos e Cadavais, Almodôvar
Cerca da Ponte, Almodôvar
Hotel Serafim, Almodôvar
Solar da Portela, Almodôvar
Where to Eat
Café Colmeia do Vicente, Santa Cruz
Public Entities
Almodôvar City Council
+351 286 660 600
Almodôvar e Graça de Padrões Parish Councils
+351 286 662 563
Health
Health Center of Almodôvar
+351 286 660 200
Pharmacy, Almodôvar
Support
CTT − Almodôvar Post Office
Tourism Office and Internet Space
WARNINGS
Between Santa Cruz and Almodôvar, you won’t find any supply or support point, with the exception of the hospitality of the Monte João Dias residents and Café Sequeira in Guedelhas (Tel. 286 662 430). So you should go prepared with whatever you think is convenient for the stage extension. The coffee shop can prepare meals if previously indicated.
Points of Interest
Nossa Senhora da Conceição Convent
Santo Ildefonso Main Church
Nossa Senhora do Rosário Parish Church
Santa Cruz Parish Church
Southwestern Writing Museum
Severo Portela Municipal Museum
Manuel Vicente Guerreiro Ethnographic and Archeological Museum
USEFUL CONTACTS
Emergency: 112
Forest Fires: 117
Almodôvar Fire Department: +351 286 660 140
GNR − Almodôvar Territorial Station: +351 286 660 051
CODE OF CONDUCT
Do not leave the marked and signaled route. Do not approach cliffs. Pay attention to the markings. Do not dispose of organic or inorganic waste during the trail, take a bag for this purpose. If you see garbage, collect it, help us to keep the Paths clean. Beware of livestock, don’t bother the animals. Leave Nature intact. Do not collect plants, animals or rocks. Avoid making noise. Respect private property, close gates and barriers. Don’t light fires and be careful with cigarettes. Do not vandalize the Paths signage.
