Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes. Tomar, Portugal
The city of Tomar , Portugal, is a fascinating place. It sits close to the geographic center of the country, along the Nabão River. I visited Tomar on a beautiful day in August. I will write more about Tomar next week, but today I want to introduce you to what seems to me to be an often looked-over jewel of the city - Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes - Seven Hills National Forest. This city forest occupies 39 hectares (approx. 100 acres) just below Tomar’s most famous attraction, the Castle and Convent of the Order of Christ. The Order of Christ were originally known as the Knights Templar. The park starts at the bottom of a valley, across from the city’s main tourist office. Its gates are guarded by a statue of Infante Henrique - Prince Henry the Explorer. Henry was the architect of Portuguese exploration and colonialism in the 16th century. He developed this plan while staying at the castle in Tomar. Prince Henry the Explorer Office of Tourism The National Forest i...