Minde and Mira de Aire Caves – MG event at 110 meters underground!
On the 8th of November, a group of 34 members and guests took part in the 187th Gathering of the MG Clube de Portugal, blessed by St. Peter with a fine sunny day after a week of heavy rain.
Some members from the Lisbon area met at the Aveiras Service Station and drove together in convoy to Minde, where they joined the rest of the group. Upon arrival, the MGs were displayed outside the Roque Gameiro Watercolour Museum, despite the limited space available for so many cars.
Visit to the Roque Gameiro Watercolour Museum
The first stop was the Roque Gameiro Watercolour Museum, housed in a beautifully restored small palace in Minde. This museum, the only one in Portugal entirely dedicated to watercolour art, was suggested by member Carlos Poças Santos. Although unfamiliar to most participants, it proved to be a delightful surprise due to the beauty and quality of the works on display.
The visit was enriched by explanations from the museum’s director, Mrs. Maria Alzira, and her colleague Luís Santos, who shared details about the building and the exhibition dedicated to the theme People and Places. Next year’s exhibition will focus on Lisbon.
Weaving Workshop – Manta de Minde
The next visit was to the Manta de Minde Weaving Workshop, where members learned about the history of the traditional woollen blankets of Minde — once a thriving local industry. Accompanied by the rhythmic sound of the loom and guided by the weaver Mafalda, participants observed the production process, and some even tried their hand at weaving a few lines of a blanket themselves.
Mira de Aire Caves
After a pleasant lunch at the Sabores Únicos restaurant — where members exchanged stories and experiences behind the wheel of their MGs — the group headed to the Mira de Aire Caves. Located in the Serra de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, these caves were discovered in 1947 and are listed among the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal. They are the largest show caves in the country.
Participants descended the 683 steps leading to the 600-metre-long accessible section — part of an 11-kilometre cave system — admiring the stunning rock formations, underground lakes and illuminated chambers that create a truly magical atmosphere.
Finally, the group gathered for one last photo with their MGs and a cheerful moment of camaraderie before heading home, bringing to a close another memorable event of the MG Clube de Portugal.
