The origin and course of the Tagus River<\/h2>\n\n
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It rises in the Albarracim mountains, in the region of Aragon, Spain, at an altitude of 1,593 meters. The Tagus, in Latin Tagus, is the longest river in the Iberian Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n
The river crosses Spanish Extremadura before entering Portuguese territory. In other words, along its course, it passes through various Spanish towns and cities, such as Toledo, Aranjuez and Talavera de la Reina. In Portugal, the River Tagus passes through Abrantes, Santar\u00e9m, Vila Franca de Xira, Lisbon and many other cities.<\/p>\n\n
The course of the River Tagus in Portugal is marked by stunning landscapes, valleys and even islands. The most famous is the island of Almourol Castle<\/a>. This medieval fortification has become one of the most beautiful symbols. Built in the 12th century, Almourol Castle served as a military fortification and today is a historic landmark, attracting tourists from all over.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n In addition, the river is of significant ecological importance, sheltering a variety of species such as the Flamingo, the Wild Goose, the Marrequinha, the Black-breasted Sandpiper, the Partridge, the Bustard and the Milherango (Limosa limosa).<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n The Tagus estuary – the largest estuary in Europe – is a protected area in a nature reserve, covering around 15,000 hectares. The Tagus estuary also played a crucial role in the great Portuguese Discoveries. It was from Lisbon that the ships and caravels that led the great Portuguese maritime adventures set sail.<\/p>\n\n In the 15th century, Portugal was at the height of its Age of Discovery. Under the command of great navigators such as Vasco da Gama, Fern\u00e3o de Magalh\u00e3es and Pedro Alvares Cabral, Portuguese ships set sail from the Tagus estuary towards new sea routes, treasures and knowledge. These expeditions were undeniably responsible for the beginning of globalization.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n Approximately 1,100 kilometers long, the Tagus River has many stories to tell. It holds a number of curiosities that add a special touch to its history. Here are some of them:<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n According to some legends and historical accounts<\/a>, the Tagus River was a source of gold. It is said that King Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, paid a tenza to the pope using the gold taken from the Tagus. In addition, Kings Dinis and Jo\u00e3o III had their scepters made with gold from the river’s sands. Although this wealth is no longer found today, the story of the Tagus gold adds a magical element to its history. <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n On November 1st, 1755, a devastating earthquake hit the lower part of Lisbon and other areas along the Tagus River. The wave generated by the earthquake – reported to be around 15 meters high – rose over the river and flooded the city, causing unprecedented destruction. The floods were followed by fires, disease and famine. This tragic event left a deep mark on the history and memory of the Portuguese people.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n Over the years, two bridges have been built across the River Tagus in Lisbon. The April 25th Bridge<\/a>, inaugurated in 1966, and the Vasco da Gama Bridge<\/a>, inaugurated in 1998. The April 25th Bridge, one of the largest suspension bridges in Europe, connects Lisbon to Almada, while the Vasco da Gama Bridge links Lisbon to Alcochete, Moita and Montijo. These bridges are important structures and facilitate mobility in the region.<\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n <\/p>\n\n![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/wpml.lisbonsightsailing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/lisbon-sight-sailing-curiosidades-tejo-2.jpg\")
The Tagus estuary and the departure of the Naus and Caravelas<\/h2>\n\n
The Tagus River and its curiosities<\/h2>\n\n
The gold of the Tagus<\/h3>\n\n
The wave of the 1755 earthquake<\/h3>\n\n
The bridges that cross the Tagus<\/h3>\n\n
The legend of your name<\/h3>\n\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/wpml.lisbonsightsailing.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/lisbon-sight-sailing-curiosidades-tejo-3.jpg\")