Fornalhas Velhas - São Domingos

We proceed until the end of Rua 25 de Abril and continue straight ahead, on a dirt track flanked by eucalyptus trees that ensure the shade. Following the signs, we enter through a metallic gate in the beautiful property of Monte Novo das Fornalhas and go down the hill overlooking a dam on the right side. We pass over a stream and do not give in to the immense mud that accumulates next to the ETAR (Wastewater Treatment Plant). Less than 1 km later, between flocks of sheep and cultivated plots, we arrive at a road (N262).

We turn left and then right, pass the uncharacteristic place of Castelo Velho, location of ancient fortified prehistoric settlements, where later was installed a small rural castle of the Islamic Period, which the Order of Santiago took advantage of. Towers, hills and castles were very common in the territory of Odemira, for defense during the endless wars and alternate conquests of bastions, from the 8th to the 12th century, in this border area between the territories of Portuguese Muslims and Christians. Once again we curve to the right, to another asphalted branch, which passes the macadam road a little further on, as soon as we enter the municipality of Santiago do Cacém. The large road allows us to have good panoramic views of the entire surrounding region, particularly when we approach the Monte dos Alhos dam, where we watch the virtuous aerial dances of thousands of birds from different species. On the north side of the dam, there is also a vast plantation of stone pines on a bright green carpet, which adds a beautiful frame to this unexpected corner. We pass over the dam wall and find a curve on an asphalt road, surrounding the installations of Monte dos Alhos, on which we take the route on the left. After 2.5 kms, we turn left again to follow through Foros da Casa Nova. We take a break at the coffee shop A Paragem, the only one in the village that also prepares lunches, which comes in handy!... With the stomach ready for the last effort until São Domingos, we enter through lands where the agricultural activity has lost space, mainly giving place to the eucalyptus, cork oak, and holm oak forests, more or less organized, along the 6 km that separate us from the stage end. We cross the village towards the Junta de Freguesia (Parish Council), located in the same square, Largo 25 de Abril, as the old and simple church that exists there, and where we consider today's route to be finished. Here, in São Domingos, we visit the Museu da Farinha (Flour Museum), located at Rua 1º de Maio. Situated in an old milling factory, it exposes most of the industrial material used in the factory, which closed in 1982. In the main church, built when the town belonged to the Order of Santiago, we discovered a Manueline baptismal font.