Walking Trail 'Trail of Azenha da Ordem (watermill)'Serpa
SETTING
In Serpa we find a territory historically marked by the direct relation with the river Guadiana and geographical location on the border with Spain. It is the Alentejo of large agricultural fields and rural estates, which were once considered the breadbasket of Portugal, such was the quantity of grain then produced, which fed the watermills of Guadiana, the great road of the South of the country, where they would be wisely transformed into valuable flour.
THE WALKING TRAIL
From the garden in front of the movie theatre, head North and turn into Rua da Abegoaria (street) leading you out of the urban centre, passing by the municipal sports hall. Cross the outer ring and enter the dirt road toward the Guadiana. Proceed straight ahead, crossing vast farmlands, and pass along the water collection of Horta dos Banhos, located in the place where an important Roman villa once existed, as confirmed by archaeological prospecting.
After passing Monte da Caldeira and Monte da Repoila, start down by the new scenario of olive groves and cork oaks that will lead you to the abandoned Horto do Lala and Horto do José Garcia (vegetable gardens), where you can already spot the Guadiana river. Once by the river, continue to the left along a rural path that runs alongside its course towards Azenha da Ordem (watermill), a grinding mill in an excellent state of conservation.
In Serpa we find a territory historically marked by the direct relation with the river Guadiana and geographical location on the border with Spain. It is the Alentejo of large agricultural fields and rural estates, which were once considered the breadbasket of Portugal, such was the quantity of grain then produced, which fed the watermills of Guadiana, the great road of the South of the country, where they would be wisely transformed into valuable flour.
THE WALKING TRAIL
From the garden in front of the movie theatre, head North and turn into Rua da Abegoaria (street) leading you out of the urban centre, passing by the municipal sports hall. Cross the outer ring and enter the dirt road toward the Guadiana. Proceed straight ahead, crossing vast farmlands, and pass along the water collection of Horta dos Banhos, located in the place where an important Roman villa once existed, as confirmed by archaeological prospecting.
After passing Monte da Caldeira and Monte da Repoila, start down by the new scenario of olive groves and cork oaks that will lead you to the abandoned Horto do Lala and Horto do José Garcia (vegetable gardens), where you can already spot the Guadiana river. Once by the river, continue to the left along a rural path that runs alongside its course towards Azenha da Ordem (watermill), a grinding mill in an excellent state of conservation.
From the river, start a long and gentle climb through the fields of cork oak, passing the Monte de Melrinas and Monte do Gago, returning to the agricultural landscape. Continue through the road that enters Serpa by the Eira de São Pedro, with the chapel of this saint welcoming you.
If you would like to be accompanied by a guide please contact:
SAL Sistemas de Ar Livre >>> http://bit.ly/2ohxcUd
If you would like to be accompanied by a guide please contact:
SAL Sistemas de Ar Livre >>> http://bit.ly/2ohxcUd
FACTSHEET
Location: Serpa
Distance: 13,5km
Duration: 3/4h
Degree of Difficulty: Average
Download the trail map >>
https://www.visitalentejo.pt/pt/o-alentejo/natureza/transalentejo-alqueva/serpa/
https://www.visitalentejo.pt/fotos/editor2/guia_transalentejo_alqueva_en.pdf
ttps://www.visitalentejo.pt/fotos/editor2/guia_transalentejo_alqueva_en.pdf
SUGGESTIONS OF CONDUCT AND SAFETY
- Go on your tour as a group. If you are walking alone, leave behind the information on the trails you are going to take.
- In organized tours, always observe the indications of guides.
- Choose the area of your tour for spending the night, taking your meals and shopping. Greet and mingle with the locals.
- Use suitable clothing and footwear. Take sufficient water and food for the day, as well as means of communication and a first-aid kit.
- Take only the marked trails and respect private and public property. Leave the gates as found when you pass them.
- Avoid mineral or vegetable sampling and the disturbance of wild life and livestock, keeping as far as possible.
- Use caution when crossing hazardous locations. When in doubt, go back.
- Take the utmost care when crossing roads, streets and railway lines.
- Respect the surrounding nature. Avoid using shocking colours and making unnecessary noises.
- Take your garbage and place it in appropriate containers at the site where you purchased the goods that gave rise to this garbage.
- Do not make fire. Avoid smoking or do it only at the stops.
