Conquer the Battle of Aljubarrota Behind the Wheel of Your MG!
This was the motto of the 191st MG Clube de Portugal Gathering, which took our members, companions and guests on a journey through the heart of Portuguese history, in an experience combining heritage, culture, nature, gastronomy and a passion for MG cars.
Over three days, we explored the Batalha and Porto de Mós region, discovering some of its most iconic places and reliving key moments in our history.
The programme began on Saturday, 3 October, in Batalha, with a guided tour led by Arminda Remédios of the magnificent Monastery of Santa Maria da Vitória, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We visited the Church, the Royal Cloister, the Unfinished Chapels and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
After lunch at the Mosteiro do Leitão restaurant, we headed to the Aljubarrota Battle Interpretation Centre (CIBA). Through the multimedia show The Royal Battle, the visit to the São Jorge Military Field and the museum, we learned more about the 1385 battle, the military strategy of Nuno Álvares Pereira, and the events that proved decisive for Portugal’s independence. The visit was led by the enthusiastic Filipa Figueiredo.
Saturday ended with dinner at the Burro Velho restaurant, in a convivial atmosphere where members had the opportunity to exchange experiences and enjoy an excellent meal together.
On Sunday, 4 October, we headed to Porto de Mós, where we visited its unique Castle, also known as D. Fuas Roupinho Castle. We were welcomed by Sónia Morgado, who gave us a brief introduction to the history of this remarkable monument and its importance to the history of Porto de Mós. We then enjoyed a scenic drive through the landscapes of the Candeeiros Mountains, passing by the Arrimal Lagoons and the viewpoints at Chão das Pias and Fórnea.
The programme also included a convivial gathering with the Clube Automóvel de Porto de Mós, over lunch at the Porto de Mós Tasquinhas venue, where we had the opportunity to watch some local drivers demonstrate their skills.
Before dinner at the Hotel Villa Batalha, where we stayed during the weekend, some members also had the opportunity to visit the mould factory of our member Vladimiro Alexandre, who introduced us to the history of the company and explained the entire mould manufacturing process.
The passion for MGs was naturally present throughout the gathering and reached its highlight on Monday, 5 October, with the Porto de Mós Hill Climb, held on the EN243 between Porto de Mós and Livramento. In collaboration with the Clube Automóvel de Porto de Mós, our members had the opportunity to demonstrate their driving skills at the wheel of their Veteran, Classic and Contemporary MGs.
The gathering concluded with a convivial lunch at Adega do Luís, followed by the presentation of the motorsport event trophies and the “MG Prestige” Trophy.
Winners
Veterans
Salvador Soares (member nº 812) – MG TD Midget
Classics
1st Place – José Gaspar (member nº 277) – MGB
2nd Place – José Gil (member nº 32) – MGB
3rd Place – Manuel Jorge (member nº 746)– MG Midget
Contemporary
1st Place – Paulo Vidal (member nº 902)– MGF
2nd Place – Jorge Portas (member nº 918)– MGF
3rd Place – António Monteiro Pereira (member nº 867) – MG TF
MG Prestige
1951 MG TD Midget – Salvador Soares (member nº812)
It was three days of history, discovery, beautiful landscapes, fine food and, above all, friendship and camaraderie among MG enthusiasts — a true celebration of the spirit of the MG Clube de Portugal.
Acknowledgements
This gathering would not have been possible without the support and collaboration of the following organisations and individuals, to whom the MG Clube de Portugal extends its sincere thanks:
- Municipality of Porto de Mós – Eduardo Amaral, Vice-Mayor and Councillor for Sport, Culture, Tourism and Environment, and his team;
- Municipality of Batalha – Eduardo Prior, Head of the Office supporting the Mayor;
- Porto de Mós Tourist Office – Susana Nogueira;
- GNR – Porto de Mós Territorial Post – Sergeant Pimentel and his team;
- Batalha Monastery – Lucília Santos;
- Batalha Monastery Guide – Arminda Remédios;
- CIBA – Joana Gonçalves and Filipa Figueiredo;
- Porto de Mós Castle – Sónia Morgado;
- Clube Automóvel de Porto de Mós – João Santos and his team.
A very special thank you to Hélder Unas (Member No. 590) for his support in organising the meals, and to Vladimiro Alexandre (Member No. 289) and his wife Maria Cláudia, for welcoming us and giving us the opportunity to visit and learn more about their mould manufacturing company.
To everyone, our heartfelt thanks!
MGCP - Emotion without Limits!
