Subida à Sr.ª do Amparo

Although not a particularly imposing mountain range (264 meters), the Serra da Senhora do Amparo is
a distinctive feature of the landscape, standing in stark contrast to the
undulating plains that surround it. The slope of the terrain calls for a
leisurely walk and invites you to enjoy the scenery. Along the way, you can
see that rockroses cover the ground of this hill, along with other
shrubs such as sargaço, rosemary, and, occasionally, wild pear.
On the ascent, you will certainly be accompanied by small birds feeding
on the insects that abound among the vegetation. This is the domain of the
black redstarts, even for those merely passing through on their
migration route southward. At the top, waiting for you is the chapel of Nossa Senhora do
Amparo, formerly the Hermitage of São Brissos. This spot is a
prime vantage point for contemplating and appreciating the landscape. The settlements
are concentrated in small clusters, and the surrounding area
consists, for the most part, of agricultural land, especially
monocultures of oats and wheat. With the abandonment of some of the farms,
much of this land is being overtaken by scrub and
forested areas, threatening the survival of the species that
depend on it. On the northern slope, two rocky outcrops can be seen:
Guizo Pequeno and Guizo Grande. At the base of the mountain range lies a small
reservoir, particularly interesting for observing
waterfowl. But this small hilltop is also a prime spot for
observing various species of butterflies during spring and
summer.