Since 1981, the Boquilobo Marsh Nature Reserve is a UNESCO World World Biosfera.1 reserve This was the first Portuguese protected area to join the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. It recognized the importance of the Reserve as a natural wetland and as a shelter place for a large number of birds as a breeding, feeding and resting the migration routes.

Has access to the reserve taking the path of Paul Bed and the road Golegã / Azinhaga.

It belonged to Henry the Navigator, following the Fernando de Castro, Mr. Paul Boquilobo and their descendants.

What to see

Interpretation Centre of Paul do Boquilobo – starting point for the pedestrian path, it may see a permanent exhibition and watch a movie on this protected area.

Observatory – from this you can recognize the different species that exist in this protected area, and the best time to do so since the fall from start to late spring.

Colony of herons – in the spring is formed an important colony of herons and spoonbills, coming partly from Africa to breed in this area. This reserve, one of the most important in the country, stands out for its breeding populations of Ardeidae and hold important
populations of ducks in winter. Despite having the presence of a number of birds during most of the year the bird take refuge within areas where the visitor, thewhich makes it quite difficult to bird watching at this location. During the summer and early autumn paul is almost dry.

Birdwatching: http://www.avesdeportugal.info/sitboquilobo.html

Salgueiral – Frequently plant communities of this wetland, lining the main water lines.

Farmland – the fertility of alluvial land allows an intense and rendável agriculture is especially dominated by corn for grain.

Characterized by the fertility of its soil, the abundance of pastures and the beauty of its countryside markedly, Golegã retains the traditional Portuguese architecture. According to several authors, the Golegã Village originated in the time of King Afonso Henriques and Sancho I, when a woman’s natural Galicia and lived in Santarém came settle down with an inn on this site. Golegã that already existed in the fifteenth century, it seems beyond doubt, and after having established it said Galician, having spent its name to Sale of the Galician, the Galician Varzim, Vila of the Galician language and later by corruption “Golegã”.

Horse Fair in Golegã

In 1571, begins the current Fair St. Martin Golegã today also National Horse Fair and International Fair Lusitano Horse. From 1833, and with the support of the Marquis of Pombal, the show began to take an important competitive nature, performing equestrian competitions and different races competitions. The best horse breeders were concentrated then in Golegã. In the mid-eighteenth century, had its beginning the Fair of Golegã, called until 1972 Fair St. Martin, the date from which came to be called the National Horse Fair. It is the National Horse Fair the most important and most Castiça of all fairs of its kind taking place in Portugal and worldwide. Here we present all breeders, with its beautiful specimens, which is why we transact in Golegã Thoroughbreds best created in the country, which are sold to many parts of the world, the most important national event Equestrian and the largest warehouse Commercial Lusitano, recognized worldwide.

Golegã became the capital of the horse. The day of St. Martin of Fair, which was traditionally the day November 11, went to be more beautiful and unique public equestrian show performs the free level between us. The testing program is very extensive and varied: Ralies, Raids, Equestrian Games, Championships, Carriages Marathon, Views, are some of the finest performances in Golegã take place in his presentation of the horse. And to complement party justifying the popular adage that “At Saint Martin taste the wine,” there are plenty of water-walking and the roasted chestnuts.

The building was built in the early twentieth century, bears the signature of the architect Raul Lino and brings together important works of painting (Master Francisco Henriques, Josefa de Obidos), sculpture (Flemish School of the sixteenth century), furniture and ceramics, among other collections.

Closing days: Mondays, Holidays
Visiting hours: From April to September, from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 18:00; October to March, from 10:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:00.
By appointment: Yes, for large groups. (Tel: 243 559 100)

More information:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Casa-dos-Patudos-Museu-de-Alpiar%C3%A7a/318070581554575?sk=timeline