#7 - The Stone Organ

Near Magoito in S. João das Lampas there is a place that can be considered as a geological monument on the West coast where we can find large rock formations in the shape of a church organ. These formations gives the place the name ofthe Lomba dos Pianos.

It was this place that we decided to explore today, as well as a pedestrian path of about 10 km that starts there and takes us along the top of the cliffs by the sea, rural trails and streets in the villages.

At the beginning of the route we can soon find the curious rock formations made up of basalt, formed millions of years ago. Its shape, which is reminiscent of giant church organs, rises to heaven at a still reasonable height, which makes it attractive for climbers to come here to test their rappelling and climbing skills.

Interestingly, in some of the formations we can find paintings related to nature or animals like dolphins, turtles, made by an artist who passed by and decided to embellish the gray and arid rocks

Right after the huge rocks we come across an extraordinary view over the Atlantic Ocean where you can only hear the sound of the wind and the waves of the sea hitting the rocks just below us, causing a unique feeling of union with nature during those minutes we stood there watching.

We continue on our way towards the north, taking a path through the top of the cliffs, always with the sea following us, until we reach the beautiful beach of Samarra. This beautiful beach, partly reminiscent of Adraga beach, is located between two cliffs (where the pedestrian path that we are taking is located) and joins the Samarra river that flows here. The water is cold but always inviting for a dip to refresh the body.

Curiosity - In the year 1948, human bone remains of individuals who died here more than 4000 years ago were discovered on this beach! These bones are now in the Archaeological Museum of São Miguel de Odrinhas for those who want to visit and know

Continuing the path that the map indicated, we followed a few more kilometers until we reached the village of Catribana. Quiet and with almost no movement, it reminded us of a deserted village but with well-maintained low-lying dwellings. We were accompanied by the sound of barking dogs that were exalted for being the only persons to pass by at that time.

Here we find the information of the presence of a Roman bridge and we decided to follow it

The Roman bridge, very well preserved, is formed by a single rim and is located on the Samarra river. Here we start the climb up a Roman sidewalk that extends for about 50 meters to the top of a hill, where we can see a great valley where the path we are taking follows.

Following the valley we can feel part of the landscape, surrounded by a green that sometimes surrounds us almost completely.

After the valley, we continue on to Casal dos Pianos. It is about 2 km long with less beauty than the entire route so far. These last km to the point where we started are made of tarred pavement, which, in my opinion, reduces the value of the trail that could be considered perfect. Anyway, it is very worthwhile to do this trail for all the beauty that we can appreciate and feel in the previous 8 km, with the promise that in the next one we would enjoy more time on the beautiful beach of Samarra.

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