Central Way

Golegã < > Tomar

Stage 19

Golegã is a village of the Way, not only in the literal sense but mainly because, everywhere we look, we find evidence of the presence and passage of the travelers going to Santiago de Compostela. Being a smaller and quieter village than Santarém, it facilitates the relations between people of different nationalities and generations who arrive at a continuous rhythm, so services targeted to pilgrims appeared. Additionally, the rural and picturesque atmosphere, the friendliness of the people and, of course, the good gastronomic offer. We feel good in Golegã!

Integrated on D. Afonso Henriques’ donations to the Order of the Temple in 1169, Quinta da Cardiga had its own commander since the 14th century, which confirms the locality importance as part of the possessions of the Order of Christ. The current configuration of the palace dates back to a profound renovation carried out by Friar António de Lisboa, that preserved the tower of the old Templar castle. The works continued between 1592 and 1617, in the time of his nephew, Friar Pedro Moniz.

Quinta da Cardiga

Quinta da Cardiga

 

and also…

Templar Festival − July

Visitable Collection – Museum of Matches

The Museum of Matches is a collection of 60,000 boxes, labels, and matchboxes, donated by Aquiles da Mota to the Council in 1980, conserved in the Convento de S. Francisco. The collection was born with an exchange of boxes between Mota Lima and an American lady during a sea voyage, on their way to London for the ceremony of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation.

etapa-19-central

Today’s stage is a “frontier” one, which means that it connects the Ribatejo region with the central region of Portugal, ending in the city of Tomar, after about 30 km of journey. Leaving the natural border of the Tejo river in Vila Nova da Barquinha, almost everything is gradually changing, but that’s already another part of the Path…To leave Golegã, we cross the village along Rua D. Afonso Henriques, followed by Rua Dr. Branco, to the outskirts of the city. We cross the national road N243 and take the sand path straight ahead until it ends in a narrow rural road. We turn left and face a few flat kilometers flanked by extensive cornfields and plantations that take advantage of the fertile land on this Tejo riverbank.

Before arriving to Quinta da Cardiga, the small village of São Caetano welcomes us with some places that deserve our brief passage, including a hostel for pilgrims and the Ermida de São Caetano hermitage. Donated to the Order of the Knights Templar by D. Afonso Henriques, later transferred to the possession of the Order of Christ, the historic Quinta da Cardiga still belongs to the imaginary of the population and those who visit it, with a halo of a certain mysticism.

Distance 9 km


Maximum altitude 38 m


Cumulative increase 57 m


Cumulative descent -44 m


Duration 2h00m


Difficulty (0-5) 1

Stage 19

It is one of the most impressive properties in the country, unfortunately in an advanced state of degradation. However we can still see the gardens and horticultural gardens, the palace, the chapel and the cloister, the barn and stables and even an old press. We can also admire the Christ’s Cross on the façade of the main house and the tower of the old Templar castle. It was one of the guard posts of the Order’s militia, and a vital strategic place for the Knights Templar.

We cross the leafy avenue that follows the palace façade to a small bridge over a polluted stream, where the asphalt ends. From now on, we continue the Path to the north, to the village of Pedregoso, the final point of the Caminho de Santiago Central in the Alentejo and Ribatejo. Next, we enter the municipality of Vila Nova da Barquinha and the central region of Portugal. Have a good Path!

TIPS

Always carry water, supplies, sunscreen, a hat, waterproof, comfortable shoes, and a map.

SUPPORT

 Tourism Office +351 249 329 823

PUBLIC ENTITIES

 Tomar City Council
+351 249 329 800

HEALTH

 Hospital
+351 249 320 100

 Pharmacy

Points of Interest

USEFUL CONTACTS

Emergency: 112
Forest Fires: 117
Tomar Fire Department:+351 249 329 140
GNR − Tomar Territorial Station: +351 249 320 060
PSP Tomar − Public Security Police:+351 249 328 040
Tomar Civil Protection: +351 249 324 030

CODE OF CONDUCT

Do not leave the marked and signaled route. Do not approach cliffs. Pay attention to the markings. Do not dispose of organic or inorganic waste during the trail, take a bag for this purpose. If you see garbage, collect it, help us to keep the Paths clean. Beware of livestock, don’t bother the animals. Leave Nature intact. Do not collect plants, animals or rocks. Avoid making noise. Respect private property, close gates and barriers. Don’t light fires and be careful with cigarettes. Do not vandalize the Paths signage.