Pia do Urso: Nature and Sensory Trail

The village of Pia do Urso combines an impressive natural setting with restored traditional stone and timber houses. The Ecoparque Sensorial in Pia do Urso offers a special perspective on the area: it was Portugal’s first sensory park designed for visually impaired people. Interactive and playful stations line a sensory trail. There, visitors can experience the flora, fauna and geological formations known as “pias”.

Caves and Historic Routes

The Grutas da Moeda are east of the settlement of São Mamede, on the road to Fátima. They were discovered in 1971 and opened to the public in 1974. If you would like to visit the caves, check access arrangements in advance.

Pia do Urso is also associated with different historical periods. As far back as Roman times, the area served as a transit point. In 1385, Pia do Urso was a transit point for troops commanded by D. Nuno Álvares Pereira as they travelled from Ourém to Porto de Mós and on to Aljubarrota. Both accounts connect the area with a transit function; the 1385 account also names a specific route with several stops.

Church, Market and Feast Days

The Igreja Paroquial de São Mamede stands above the market square in São Mamede. It can be reached by a long flight of steps at the front. The Feira de São Mamede brings together trade, community interaction and socialising.

The market takes place beside the São Mamede cemetery on the 4th and 20th of each month. If either date falls on a Sunday, the market is brought forward to the previous day. In Casal Vieira, a feast in honour of Saint Anthony is held around the chapel on a Sunday in August each year, with a mass and procession. For planning purposes, note the difference: the Feira returns on fixed dates each month, while the feast takes place on a Sunday in August. Check the specific dates before your trip.

Architecture and Landscape

Chaminés Mouriscas feature on some houses in São Mamede and are especially common in the settlement of Moita do Martinho. The lintel of the Capela de Santo António bears the date 1780, which is thought to be the year the chapel was founded.

Near Vale de Barreiras, beside the settlement of Vale Barreiros, there is a sinkhole considered particularly interesting for its features and natural surroundings. It adds a discovery in the landscape to the area’s architectural details.

Trail and Practical Information

The Rota dos Moinhos begins and ends beside the former school in Crespos, São Mamede. The named starting point and destination are therefore the same. São Mamede also has a free, equipped service area for motorhomes at Largo da Feira. Check the facilities before you arrive.

Discover more destinations: São Mamede, Maceira, Peniche, Ansião, Leiria, Pombal, Figueiró Dos Vinhos, Alvaiázere.

Back to the main travel overview: Leiria.