- Castelo de Palmela
Situated 238 m high, it shelters a Pousada established in the former medieval Santiago convent. One can see its bulwarks, its donjon, as well as its military exercise place. The view from the summit is beautiful. In the castle there are small shops which sell local products such as ceramics, wine, liqueurs and cakes.
- Igreja de Santiago
Inside the castle. It was built in the 14th century. As well as in the convent you will find azulejos from the 16th to the 18th century.
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Castelo de Palmela |
Palmela Fountain |
- Santa Maria
A former mosque which was made into a church and destroyed by the 1755 earthquake.
- S.Pedro
It dates back to the 18th century. It is situated in the town and contains azulejos that tell the life of the Saint.
In the town there is a cooperative cellar which you can visit. One should not forget that the region is renowned for its wines: white (Fernão Pires), red (Periquita) and also Moscatel, a strengthened wine with at least 18 % alcohol. During the grape harvests there are many festive events which tourists and Palmela residents love.
When leaving Palmela, one takes the road towards Vila Fresca de Azeitão and Vila Nogueira de Azeitão. The two places now form the town of Azeitão.
The word Azeitão comes from "azzeittum" - the arabic term for olive trees.
In this town you will find the Domain da Bacalhoa built in the 15th century. And which had several owners until 1554, the year when it was commissionned by Brás de Albuquerque, son of the Viceroy of India, Afonso da Albuquerque, who had lived in Italy. He was inspired by the Italian architecture to change its Renaissance style. Brás de Albuquerque's biggest contribution was the decorating of the palace and the walls covered with azulejos made in Spain and in Portugal. Today, the property is private but it can be visited and they produce French wines there from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines.
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Bacalhoa |
Setúbal Moscatel |
In the second city, there is an important historic and architectural patrimony. Among the different buildings, it is necessary to mention the former Aveiro Duke's palace, in Renaissance style, which is now the seat of a big wine-producing company, it was created in 1834 by José Maria Da Fonseca. There you can visit and taste the famous Setúbal Moscatel.
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José Maria da Fonseca Vinho |
Take advantage of your trip also to discover the locally crafted decorative tiles or "azulejos" and to taste some of the local culinary delights, such as the famous "tortas de Azeitão" (small tartlets made from eggs, sugar and flour) and, of course, the very special Azeitão ewe cheese.
After Azeitão, you go back towards the highway for Lisbon -A2 - and get back onto the morning road towards Ericeira.
