Category: Nature > Waterfall
District: Leiria > Porto de Mós > Serro Ventoso > Chão das Pias
The Fórnea Waterfall is located in the municipality of Porto de Mós, integrated into the stunning Serra de Aire e Candeeiros. More precisely, this remarkable natural site is found in the locality of Serro Ventoso, in the area known as Chão das Pias.
Fórnea is, in itself, an impressive geological formation. It is characterized as a vast natural amphitheater, sculpted over millions of years by the force of water on limestone rock. Its imposing escarpments form a depression approximately one kilometer in diameter, which can be fully admired from observation points such as Chão das Pias itself.
Fórnea is a site of remarkable geological interest, shaped over millennia by the action of water on limestone rock. This process, known as the karst phenomenon, resulted in the creation of an impressive natural amphitheater. Characterized by steep slopes and imposing escarpments, Fórnea reveals a sculpted and unique landscape.
The dimension of this formation is considerable, with the depression reaching a depth of approximately 250 meters and a diameter of over half a kilometer. This scenery, with its glistening rounded stone walls and densely green slopes, offers an impactful view of nature's transformative power.
The Fórnea Waterfall is a central element of this natural setting, being one of the most recognized waterfalls in the region. However, its impressiveness and visibility are intrinsically linked to the rainfall regime. For the waterfall to display its full glory, with a significant water flow, it is essential that there has been abundant and prolonged rainfall in the preceding days.
This particularity is due to the nature of the limestone subsoil, which favors water infiltration. Thus, much of the flow circulates through underground galleries, meaning that, during dry periods, the waterfall may appear as a mere trickle of water or, at times, not be visible on the surface. Fórnea constitutes one of the points where water lines originate, contributing to the Lena river basin.
The Fórnea Waterfall is accessible via a pedestrian trail that allows for a gradual exploration of its valley. With an approximate length of two kilometers in each direction, this path offers a medium-difficulty experience, suitable for those seeking a closer connection with nature.
Along this trail, explorers can observe the lush Mediterranean vegetation, which gives the amphitheater's slopes a dark green hue. It is also possible to identify some vestiges of ancient human interaction with this territory, which integrate harmoniously into the natural landscape.
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt
Coordinates DD: 39.5607529,-8.8016963
Coordinates DMS: 39°33'38.7"N 08°48'6.1"W
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