The park covers 38 900 ha and was created in 1979. The most wide-spread stone is limestone and the height of its mountains reaches 678 m (Area) and 615 m (Candeeiros). The region is dry because there is no water present at the surface. The fauna and flora have adapted to this environment which gives this region unique characteristics which justify the creation of a park protected by the law. Among the trees, it is necessary to mention the olive tree, introduced by the Alcobaça monks in the 17th century.
In1996, in the village of Bairro next to Fátima, dinosaur footprints were found; since the dinosaur tracksite has been classified Natural Monument. This dates back to the Jurassic period and contains the oldest proof in the world of this type of animals as well as signs of some of the biggest and most known animals.
Close by, there is also a donkey reserve where you can walk. It is advisable to add to these possibilities the visit of some of the numerous caves which are in the region. We suggest you visit, in particular, the Mira de Aire caves because they are next to Fàtima and they are probably the most impressive and the biggest.
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Mira de Aire |
Mira de Aire - 15 Km from Fátima - When you arrive at the South round-about, you cross Aljustrel and continue until Mira de Aire (there are signs). These caves were discovered in 1971 and they were opened to the public in 1974. The total known length for these caves is 10 000 metres, the temperature is 17° and the tour lasts 45 minutes. You can admire the Large Hall, the magic of colours in the Red Hall, the sparkling Jeweller's Hall, the imposing Second Well Dome, the various strange concretions called "Alforreca" (jellyfish), "Marciano" (Martian), "Presépio" (Crib), "Chapéu Chinês", (Limpets), the majestic Organs, the winding waters of astonishing Rio Negro (Black River) which go on to form the Big Lake, where the visit ends in sumptuous glory, 110 m under ground. There you ride up an elevator back to the surface.
Moeda 10 Km from Fátima, Exploited in 1071. There are several rooms, a waterfall and a large number of multicolored calcareous concretions that are very interesting.
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Alvados |
Alvados 25 Km from Fátima. These caves were discovered in 1964 by a group of marble quarry workers from Serra dos Candeeiros; their curiosity was awakened when hearing stones fall into a deep hole. They prepared a descent into the hole, equipped with ropes and lanterns and were amazed by what they saw. Two years' work were necessary to open tunnels in these caves which consist of a succession of connected rooms full of stalagmites and stalactites. Appropriate lighting has been installed to enhance the beauty of these caves.
St António 26 km from Fátima. These caves were discovered in 1955 by two men who worked near a place called "Pedra do Altar" in the Serra de São António while they followed a bird that flew through an open crack in a rock. The temperature there is almost constant, between 16° and 18° and here lighting has also been installed to enhance the natural beauty of these caves with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.
When leaving Mira de Aire you can return to Fátima and take the South round-about and go toward Ourém and Tomar.
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Castelo de Ourém |
Ourém, the old town, is a fortified village on a hill that now dominates Vila Nova de Ourém, the new city. There is a very nice view from the top of the hill and you will find pleasant paved streets and small very beautiful houses. The castle is now in ruins but some of the towers still remain and a part of the "tale of Ourém" palace which was built in the 15th century.
