Cruz Quebrada: Old Town, Jamor and Aquarium

Cruz Quebrada lies in the valley of the Rio Jamor. The Núcleo Antigo da Cruz-Quebrada is located at the foot of Monte de Santa Catarina, next to the Ribeira do Jamor. The valley, hillside and watercourse provide concrete geographical reference points for the townscape. Its architectural heritage includes the Igreja de Santa Catarina de Ribamar in Cruz Quebrada: it dates back to the 12th century and is part of the town’s significant architectural heritage.

Jamor: Sport and Biodiversity

The Centro Desportivo Nacional do Jamor was inaugurated on 10 June 1944 and is a multifunctional training and leisure area. It has walking paths and routes for conservation and training purposes. The Pista de Crosse is used for cross-country running training and competitions. The paths therefore serve different purposes, while the Pista has a specific focus on the training and competition use of a particular sport.

Another discipline is represented by the Estrutura Artificial de Escalada in Parque Urbano do Jamor. The artificial climbing structure is 12 metres high and has five to seven climbing routes, including two beginner routes. The two sports facilities also differ in the features described: the Pista is defined by its use for cross-country running, while the climbing structure is described in terms of its height and routes.

The Centro Interpretativo do Jamor offers a focus on natural history. It includes an area dedicated to biodiversity, which explores the importance of Mata do Jamor in view of its rich animal and plant life. If you are more interested in biodiversity than sports facilities when planning your trip, this offers a different way to explore Jamor.

Vasco da Gama Aquarium

The Vasco da Gama Aquarium is one of the oldest public aquariums in the world. Its exhibition of living specimens includes animal and plant species from freshwater, saltwater and brackish-water ecosystems in both hemispheres. Its scope therefore spans different aquatic ecosystems as well as both hemispheres. For those interested in aquatic habitats, this offers a different focus from the sports and biodiversity themes at Jamor.

The museum collection offers another perspective on the aquarium. It includes molluscs, marine fish, freshwater fish, waterfowl, turtles and marine mammals. While the living exhibition is described in terms of ecosystems and hemispheres, the collection is organised by different groups of animals.

Plan your visit

The aquarium is located in the Freguesia Cruz Quebrada-Dafundo in the Concelho Oeiras. The address is Rua Direita do Dafundo, 1495-718 Cruz Quebrada-Dafundo. Guided tours can be arranged. If you plan to take a guided tour, confirm the arrangements before your visit.

Admission to the Centro Interpretativo do Jamor is free. You can reach it on buses 6 and 102 or via Cruz Quebrada railway station; a free public car park is located a few metres away. Check current connections and access arrangements before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Caxias, Algés, Oeiras, Porto Salvo, Carnaxide, Queijas

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