PR1 LSA - Rota dos Moinhos

The Mill Route connects the historic centre of Lousã with the surrounding mountain landscape, following the São João stream through a territory where heritage, woodland and traditional activities linked to the use of water come together.

Around the town, the route passes buildings and structures that bear witness to different periods of local history, including Palácio dos Salazares and the former Prado Paper Mill. As it approaches the mountains, the valley becomes narrower and reveals a succession of terraces, water channels and old watermills associated with the stream.

Water plays a central role in the landscape, accompanying the route through small cascades, weirs and riparian vegetation. Between the woodland and the stream, the surroundings become increasingly natural, with the waterfall of the Hortas stream and the area around São João Park standing out.

In the final section, the landscape leads to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Piedade and the valley where the river beach is located, before the ascent to the Castle of Arouce. Classified as a National Monument, the castle dominates the landscape and is one of the main remaining testimonies to the area's former defensive role. The return to Lousã once again combines the natural surroundings of the valley with the architectural heritage of the town centre.