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The Monastery of Santa Maria das Júnias is a ruined monastery, of which the church remains, located on the outskirts of Pitões das Júnias. The last Cistercian monk became the parish priest of the village of Pitões das Júnias in 1834, the date of the abolition of religious orders in Portugal. As a historical curiosity, it is worth noting that Dom Pedro de Pitões, one of the main drivers of the conquest of Lisbon from the Moors in 1147, was ordained bishop of Porto at this monastery.

There is a beautiful landscape nearby to enjoy.

Stop and enjoy the view

Hidden in the heights of Pitões das Júnias, the ancient monastery of Santa Maria carries centuries of history in the stones that support it. It is believed that its origins date back to the 9th century, in the middle of the Reconquista era, before Portugal was born as a kingdom. Officially, however, it was founded in the 12th century under the auspices of the Benedictines, and later embraced the austerity of the Cistercian reform. Today, among the silent ruins, the modest side portico of the church and the delicate arcades of the cloister remain.

The monastery of Santa Maria de Pitões das Júnias has roots that are believed to date back to a period before the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal, in the 9th century, during the Christian Reconquest. However, it is certain that it was founded in the mid-12th century, initially under the Benedictine Order, later adhering to the Cistercian reform. Notable remains of its original design still remain, such as the simple side portico of the church and the discreet arcades of the cloister, now in ruins.

Fascinating landscape, by bike or on foot

The bridge stands out for its integration into the natural environment, crossing the reservoir that is fed by the Salas River. It is an important route for both local traffic and visitors moving around the Encoro de Salas Park, facilitating access to the hiking trails and recreational areas surrounding the reservoir. The combination of the bridge with the reservoir and the surrounding mountainous landscape makes it a visually attractive spot for nature and photography lovers.

It has a burial chamber with approximate dimensions of 3.5 metres long, 2 metres wide and a height of up to 2 metres. The stones that form it, known as orthostats, can reach an estimated weight of between 500 and 1,500 kilograms each, depending on their size and thickness. These large granite slabs, typical of dolmens, were carefully placed by Neolithic communities as collective funerary monuments, reflecting the effort and ritual importance of the place.