Médio Tejo Route

The Médio Tejo Route is located in the centre of Portugal, in a territory shaped by the Tagus River water system and the mountain ranges, slopes, and valleys of its northern bank, where rivers and streams flow that irrigate the land and feed this great river. The landscape is diverse, with serene plains and mountainous areas. Signs of the antiquity of these lands can be found in local toponymy and cultural heritage. Local administrative organisation and systematic settlement date back to the period of the Christian reconquest and the formation of the Kingdom of Portugal (12th-13th centuries), following donations made by the kings to the Military Orders to guarantee the defence of the banks of the Tagus, to attract residents, and to promote social and economic development. Particularly important were the Order of the Knights Hospitaller (Order of Malta) and the Order of the Knights Templar (later Order of Christ), which built castles and churches and contributed to the formation of settlements.

In this territory, so rich in biodiversity and so valuable in cultural terms, the Fátima Walking Routes are organised into three routes that correspond to three cultural itineraries in different geographical areas. Each of the routes leads to the discovery and enjoyment of a multifaceted cultural and environmental heritage, offering pilgrims and hikers unique experiences in harmony with nature and life and in contact with welcoming local people.

Fátima Walking Routes in the Médio Tejo