http://www.naturtejo-podcast.com/index.html en-us Geopark Naturtejo Meseta Meridional Geopark Naturtejo land Geopark Naturtejo Geopark Naturtejo Meseta Meridional UNESCO European and Global Geopark, in Portugal, unifying the municipalities of Castelo Branco, Idanha-a-Nova, Oleiros, Proença-a-Nova, Nisa e Vila Velha de Ródão, has the main task to value the sites that act as key-testimonies of Earth History, instigating employment and promoting regional sustainable development. The wonderful geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological and mining heritages are composed by geosites with national and international relevance, such as the fossils route of Penha Garcia, Portas do Ródão and Vale Mourão gorges, the Roman gold mine of Conhal do Arneiro and the granite morphologies from Serra da Gardunha and Monsanto. Beyond geosites, Naturtejo Geopark integrates the International Tagus Natural Park and the protected areas in the scope of Natura 2000 Network (Site Gardunha) and also the Important Bird Areas (Penha Garcia – Toulões and the quartzite range of Ródão), that show its ecological richness and environmental awareness. The millenary History of this region is revealed by the presence of hundreds archaeological sites, the highest concentration of Templar castles, churches and manor houses, reaching a rare diversity in Portugal. The Roman Civitas Egitania ruins in Idanha-a-Velha, the Palaeolithic settlements and Rock Art widespread in the Tagus valley, as well as the megalithic regions of Nisa and Rosmaninhal are vital spots of archaeological understanding. The ancestral costums, the lively testimonies of the multiple singularities borderland culture, have deep roots in the ancient landscape. The “most Portuguese village of Portugal” prize was given to Monsanto and the Shist Villages from Geopark are symbols of this ethnographic diversity which still very well preserved UNESCO Geopark Naturtejo Meseta Meridional, key-testimonies of Earth History. Ecotourism. Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological and mining heritages are composed by geosites with national and international relevance no Geopark Naturtejo dannnn@mac.com Geopark Naturtejo the result of more than 480 million of years of biologic and geologic processes The gorge of Ponsul river crosses the towering quartzite crest where the templar castle of Penha Garcia gloriously rises. The landscape of Penha Garcia is unique: it is the result of more than 480 million of years of biologic and geologic processes. This site is well-known at a global scale for its trace fossils heritage, but this is only one of the significant features you can find here. In fact Penha Garcia is an open-air classroom which embraces multidisclipinary aspects easy accessible during all the year. The footpath PR3 – Fossils Route starts at “Largo Chão da Igreja”: by following it you will observe and appreciate the astounding palaeontological heritage, the significant biodivesity and the fascinating templar vestiges of Penha Garcia. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/001_penhagarcia_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 19:00:00 GMT 4:03 portugal, culture, ecotourism, outdoor, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo Imposing quartzite scarps “Portas de Almourão” is located in the Ocreza river gorge, between Sobral Fernando (Proença-a-Nova) and the Schist Village of Foz do Cobrão (Vila Velha de Ródão). Here you will perceive the wild beauty of the landscape: imposing quartzite scarps, large tectonic folds and the Ocreza valley, a deep scar carved in white rocks. The diversity of the geologic landscape is a fundamental support for the biodiversity. In fact “Portas de Almourão” is an important nesting area for raptor birds; it is populated by the blue blackbird, the otter and the squirrel. Geology played an important role for past civilizations too: this area was intensely exploited for gold by Romans. In fact nearby Sobral Fernando are found impressive alluvial mining structures left by Romans. Along the right side of the Ocreza river it is possible to observe mysterious drain galleries whose origin is not fully explained. There are some fairy tales on them… Follow the footpath PR2 - "The Almourão Valley Secrets" (starting from Sobral Fernando) and PR3 "Caminho do Xisto de Vale Mourão" (starting from Foz do Cobrão) to enjoy the beauty of this wild landscape. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/002_almorao_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:00:00 GMT 2:25 portugal, culture, ecotourism, outdoor, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo A place of aesthetic impact and geological heritage Malhada Velha is a place of aesthetic impact and geological heritage. Aesthetic impact: impressive quartzite ramparts rise monumentally, and vertical layers point the sky. Geological heritage: here you can find perfect examples of faults and folds. These structures originated after huge stresses: imagine the strength deserving to bend hundreds of meters of rock (fold) and the energy necessary to break and displace enormous quartzite blocks (fault). These structure where originated during an orogenetic history lasting more than 140 millions of years: faults and folds are the signature of the mountain building process. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/003_malhada_velha_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:00:00 GMT 2:52 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo Segura, land of granites and miners Segura is a land of granites and miners. The surface of this land did not always give subsistence to men so for many years they tried to find it underground. The Mines Route has as the purpose to help to take knowledge of the natural heritage of Segura board, with the interpretation of the magnificent geologic landscapes and mineral resources genesis that during more than a century, had impregnated the experiences and customs of the region. (PR4 Footpath – Mines Route) http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/004_segura_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT 3:40 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo Shape of a giant fold longer than 20 km The “urze” heather (Erica lusitanica) appears several times in latin literature as it deserved in gold mining. In fact this plant was used by Romans to sieve fluvial sediments; after this process it was burned to extract gold from the ashes. You can find this plant in Corgas, a place with a breath taking viewpoint: from here you can admire the three-dimensional shape of a giant fold longer than 20 km. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/005_corgas_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 15:00:00 GMT 3:40 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo From the top of the Monsanto Granite Inselberge Even though granites are common in Northern and Central Portugal, it is in the Beiras area that granite morphologies reach their best expression. Here the vastness of the plains is broken by scenic Inselberge, residual granite reliefs. Since the beginnings, these reliefs have been inhabited to protect the plain regions. From the top of the Monsanto Granite Inselberge, a templar castle rises over the ruins of the old village (National Monument). On the flanks of the inselberg the picturesque Monsanto village and, at the base, the fascinating Romanic Chapel of S. Pedro de Vir-a-Corça (Monument of Public Interest) . This scenario is breath-taking. Following ancient shepherd trails and rural footpaths, you will find a natural space where nature, science and history coexist in harmony. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/006_monsanto_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:00:00 GMT 4:12 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo The most important active fault in all region The Ponsul faults scarp is one of the most important active fault in all region. It is extended from Arneiro beyond the Spanish border in Termas de Monfortinho, composing an impressive topographical detachment 120 km wide. Ponsul fault is a sinistral shear zone with more than 300 million years, and still today with seismic activity. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/007_falha_ponsul_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 13:00:00 GMT 3:54 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo the first discover of Annonoxylon teixeirae in Portugal You can admire a magnificent fossil trees (its average diameter is one meter) which has a very important scientific value. In fact it is the first discover of Annonoxylon teixeirae in Portugal: this petrified tree lived 5 millions of years ago, when the landscape was completely different from nowadays. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/008_fossil_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 12:00:00 GMT 2:27 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo Scenic winding fluvial pattern Zezere river presents a scenic winding fluvial pattern, characterized by subsequent bends in the river course. This fluvial feature is known as meandering and its origin is generally linked with lateral changes in the water speed. Obstacles (i.e. stones or rough riverbed) affect the water speed and, consequently, its capacity to load sediment. This process controlled the meanders of Zezere river, originating one of the most beautiful fluvial valleys of Portugal. Follow the panoramic roads to admire the magnificent scenario of Zezere valley: this is a must-see! http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/009_zezere_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 11:00:00 GMT 2:29 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo Relax your mind, imagine to be water, pure water, and flow Let’s do an aesthetic exercise of imagination. Relax your mind, imagine to be water, pure water, and flow. Imagine to be the water of Erges river, and feel the beauty of the landscapes touched by your water. During April the water caresses the vegetation and dances with it. The flora blooms during springtime, and the riversides are full of green, blue and yellow. These wetlands are a shelter for many species of birds: vultures, eagles, black-storks and many other birds frequent these areas. The biodiversity is amazing, and for this reason the most of the Erges river is included in the Tejo International Natural Park. During summertime the landscape changes abruptly: the water of Erges river becomes a thin string, appearing and disappearing between stones. All around a pebble wasteland spreads in all its wild splendour. Only during rainshowers the riverbed is invaded by water, flowing with renewed strength. The power of the water carved three gorges in a territory of fierce beauty. Visit Termas de Monfortinho and follow the marked footpaths (PR1 footpath – Vultures Route [Salvaterra do Extremo] and PR4 – Mines Route [Segura]): this is the best way to breathe the enchanted atmosphere of Erges river. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/010_herges_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:00:00 GMT 4:03 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo Pure water Fragas da Agua Alta: the water jumps from a 50 meter-high step, crackle against the rocks, and dissolves in a turbulent cloud. This is an oasis where you can breathe the poetry of nature. Come down from the signalled footpath and take a rest under the Viburnum wood (Viburnum tinus). http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/011_fraga_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 09:00:00 GMT 2:29 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo epigenic gorge of Ródão Two colossal quartzite towers rise from the dark water of the Tejo river. More than two hundred meters divide the barren peak of the quartzite towers from the river : this is “Portas do Ródão”, a breath-taking natural monument. “Portas do Ródão” presents unique geologic (epigenic gorge of Ródão), geomorphological (“Serra das Talhadas”, Natura site 2000), archaeological (Conhal do Arneiro and Foz do Enxarrique), historical (Castle of Ródão) and biological (flora and avifauna) features. Follow the trail PR1 – Invasions Route and explore the natural and cultural richness of “Portas do Ródão” . http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/012_vvrodao_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 08:00:00 GMT 2:36 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo 1227 meters of granite Serra da Gardunha: a rocky colossus rising on the vast plains of Castelo Branco. 1227 meters of granite, crystalline streams and pine forests. Look up, stare at the barren top of the mountain, and your mind will be populated by captivating mirages: ruined castles, ancient vestiges, scattered towers. Nevertheless these relics were not created by human hand, they are natural towers (tor) of granite formed by weathering along fractures. A gentle music flows through these natural towers: it is the sound of streams and springs, well-known for their pureness. Hiking in Serra da Gardunha is an enchanted experience through fascinating morphologies. Cabeço do Galo, in the upper part of Castelo Velho, is a natural window opening in a huge granitic block. The name “Cabeço do Galo” comes from the shape of the tafone, which is reminescent of the crest of a cock. Your eyes will be astonished by the variety and the magnificence of geomonuments: logan stones, gnammas, granite balls, polygonal cracks, jointed blocks and much more. To appreciate the enchanted morphologies of Serra do Gardunha start from Louriçal do Campo and follow the footpath PR1 - Route of the Gardunha. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/013_gardunha_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 07:00:00 GMT 4:10 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo rock mushrooms A strange garden grows in the vastness of the Nisa plains: a garden where “rock mushrooms” flourish. Rocks with the shape of fungi: how is it possible? The “rock mushrooms” were produced after two stages: during the first one a granite block was partially buried in the soil. The buried part was exposed to humic acids naturally present in the soil. Consequently the buried part was eroded more intensely than the unburied one. The second stage begins at the end of the last Ice Age: the soil covering part of the granite block was eroded, thus exposing entirely the mushroom rock. Alpalhão is an inspiring place for “stone mushrooms” and for many other weird granite morphologies: here you can admire alveolar weathering (in the central square of Alpalhão) and granite monoliths (Senhora da Redonda monolith) . Alpalhão is not only the place for the “art of the Nature”: in the streets of the village you will find open-air contemporary art masterpieces. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/014_arez_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 06:00:00 GMT 2:42 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo Legendary Territorium metallorum Since ancient times, the inhabitants of the Geopark understood the importance of mineral resources. In Monforte you can find the ancient remains of intensive mining activity, and not far from Castelo extends the legendary Territorium metallorum. This latin word means “the land of minerals”: in Galeguinhos it is easy to understand the reason of this name. Here your gaze runs into huge pits which are filled with iron ore and scoria. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/015_monforte_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 05:00:00 GMT 4:35 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining Geopark Naturtejo Ingenious technique On the left margin of Tejo river, downstream of Portas do Ródão, there is an enchanted, surreal place: Conhal do Arneiro. Gigantic pebble clusters are spread all over the vast plains: here you will find pebble piles longer than two football fields and higher than 5 meters. The origin of these mounds is linked with the mining activities of the Roman Empire. In fact in the Conhal do Arneiro area the sediments contain a small percentage of gold, and Romans exploited this resource by an ingenious technique. To weaken the cohesion of the sediment grains, Romans deflected several rivers (mainly from Serra de S. Miguel ridge and Ribeira de Nisa) and lead water in the Conhal do Arneiro area. Gold is found in the finer part of the sediments, so Romans had to take apart pebbles and boulders. After this process, the finer part of sediments was washed for gold. PR4 footpath – “Trilhos do Conhal” is the best trail to understand the magnitude of the mining activity: while following it you will admire the magnificent relics of the Roman mining activity. http://web.me.com/dannnn/naturtejo-podcast/movs/016_arneiro_UK.m4v Thu, 24 Jun 2010 04:00:00 GMT 2:44 portugal, culture, outdoor, ecotourism, Earth, History, Geomorphologic, geological, palaeontological, mining