We started out the beautiful sunny day with a farm visit to
Quinta da LaGoalva north of Lisbon about 40 miles. This farm started in the 12th
century run by a religious order, including a chapel that is only used
currently for family events. Later in
the 18th century it was purchased and operated by the current
family. They operate a very diversified
farm that includes, walnuts, cows, corn, peas, potatoes, wheat, lucitano horses
(a native Portugal pure-bred horse breed), with emphasis on grapes and wine
along with world-award-winning olive oil.
The scope of the farm includes 7,000 hecters and 30 employees. They are trying to incorporate long lasting
traditions with more modern technologies across their farm.
We enjoyed lunch at a local Coruche family restaurant.
After our lunch we toured the local Coruche County museum
that focused on the natural history of the area. The museum houses the oldest bell found in
Portugal from the 13th century.
We traveled just a few blocks to the Coruche Cork
Observatory, a hands on learning center about the cork industry. Cork is the number one agricultural industry
to Portugal, and in Coruche County, 50% of the land is covered by cork oak
trees. Cork continues to be the highest
economic valued crops in the country.
