The Rio Lis rises in the village of Fontes in Cortes. This gives the landscape a tangible connection to the river; at the same time, the area’s features range from springs and forests to historic buildings and archaeological sites. The earliest evidence of Cortes known to date comes from around 1250. During your stay, you can explore nature, cultural heritage and local cuisine as distinct highlights.

Springs, landscape and wine

The Grota spring is in Fontes, is one of the springs of the Rio Lis, and lies at an altitude of 400 metres. The Figueiras spring is considered the largest of the springs associated with the river in Cortes. The two springs offer different points of interest in the area: Grota is notable for its elevation, while Figueiras stands out for its relative size. Vineyards, orchards and pine forests surround the municipality of Cortes. Wine from Cortes is part of the demarcated Vinho das Encostas de Aire wine region.

Church, mill and local landmarks

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Gaiola is the parish church of Cortes. It has Baroque features and dates from the late 16th or early 17th century. The walls of its chancel are covered with 17th-century tiles. On the right bank of the Rio Lis, riverside manor houses stand in the lower part of Cortes. Another local landmark is the waterwheel of Cortes: it is considered an emblem of the area and is the central motif of the local coat of arms.

Moinho do Rouco is a watermill of the rodízio type. Its earliest known historical mention dates to 24 November 1364. Together with the parish church, the mill offers another perspective on Cortes’ architectural and local history, with a specific historical date and a named type of mill.

Archaeology and trails

Roman archaeological remains are found in Fontes, at the foot of the Serra da Senhora do Monte in Cortes. A different period is represented by the Quinta do Cónego / Pousias / Cortes do Casal site in Cortes: it is an open-air site from the Lower Palaeolithic. A 16th-century chapel also stands at the natural viewpoint of Senhora do Monte.

A path leads downhill from Fontes to Cortes and the Senhora do Monte viewpoint. The PR5 pilgrimage route follows a different course: it starts at Extensão de Saúde de Cortes and ends at the Pilgrim Roundabout in Fátima. This distinguishes the local path to the viewpoint from the pilgrimage route ending in Fátima. Check route conditions before setting out.

Festival and cuisine

The Nossa Senhora da Gaiola festival takes place every year on the first Sunday in May. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the specific event date before booking. Cortes cuisine includes Lentriscas, Morcela de Arroz, Negritos, Bacalhoada with Migas, Brisas do Lis and Doce de Amêndoa. Alongside the landscape and cultural heritage, local cuisine and wine from Cortes are also highlights to consider for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Parceiros, Barreira, Souto Da Carpalhosa, Monte Redondo, Ortigosa, Colmeias, Marinha, Carvide

For the wider travel overview: Leiria.