In Glória, two historical layers meet: megalithic remains and the history of Canal. The Serra d’Ossa is an important point of reference for both the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Glória and the megalithic group. The riverbanks, Monte da Azenha, and Herdade das Entre Águas add specific place names to this picture. The Pelourinho de Canal adds a former position of relative administrative autonomy.

Church and Serra d’Ossa

The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Glória stands on a slight rise in the immediate vicinity of the Serra d’Ossa. Its location thus links a specific building to a clearly defined landscape.

Megalithic remains

The megalithic group of the Serra d’Ossa dates to the Late Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. Its association with both periods provides a broad timeframe rather than assigning the group to a single point in time. One of the two most important megalithic concentrations in Estremoz is located in the Freguesia of Glória, in the area of the former Freguesia of Canal, north of the Serra d’Ossa. There are two distinct aspects to consider: the periods indicate the archaeological dating, while the references to the Freguesia and Canal indicate the geographical context.

Two antas have distinct site features. The Anta da Figueira lies on level ground on the bank of the Ribeira do Castelo, near Monte da Azenha. A fig tree grows inside its burial chamber. The Anta da Herdade das Entre Águas lies in the Serra d’Ossa, on the Herdade das Entre Águas, on the southern bank of the Ribeira do Canal. For the Figueira, the focus is on the terrain, its riverside location, and a detail inside the chamber; for the Anta da Herdade das Entre Águas, it is on its precise location in the Serra d’Ossa, on the Herdade, and on the southern bank.

Canal: History and Monument

The Pelourinho de Canal stands in a central square in Canal; today, Canal is part of the Freguesia of Glória. As the last remaining testament, the Pelourinho recalls Canal’s former relative administrative autonomy. Its status was similar to that of a Concelho, although Canal was never actually one.

The Pelourinho has a broad, elevated platform. Its surface is paved with stone slabs, while the sides are whitewashed. The paving and sides are clearly distinct; the description covers both the monument’s shape and its specific surfaces.

A wine tour by reservation only

Quinta do Carmo offers a tour of the winemaking and production center for the Alentejo wines of the Bacalhôa group. Guided tours are available by reservation only and last an average of one hour. Plan this tour as a separate activity and book in advance; the stated duration helps you plan your time.

Discover more destinations: São Lourenço de Mamporcão, Estremoz, Arcos, Bajolo, Veiros.

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