Attractions and Places To See around Setúbal (São Julião) - Top 20

In wartime situations, it controlled the space between Lisbon and the South, between the Tagus and Sado rivers. During the Islamic period and the Christian offensive in the 12th and 13th centuries, this geostrategic position was compatible with other fortified sites—Coina, Sesimbra, and the Sado riverbank. In the surrounding area—with good conditions for grazing and a large area of agricultural land—some rural communities settled during the Islamic period, such as the village of Alto da Queimada (Serra do Louro). Inside the wall, the ruins of the Church of Santa Maria do Castelo welcome visitors: Palmela's first parish church, probably from the 12th century (founded by King Afonso Henriques?), subject to interventions mainly in the 16th and 17th centuries and severely damaged by the 1755 earthquake. The walls, the pentagonal Keep—a 16th-century construction—are part of the original structure. The castle dates back to the 14th century, where the Bishop of Évora, D. Garcia de Meneses, was imprisoned in the waterless cistern for conspiring against King John II. The bishop died there from poisoning in 1484. The parade ground and barracks are worth visiting. As it stands, the castle is the result of several construction campaigns—repairs, reconstructions, and expansions—up until the 18th century. Archaeological work has identified some sections of the wall from the Islamic period, and other construction phases are recognized, likely dating from the post-reconquest period and, later, from the reign of King John I. The bastion system that surrounds the first line of fortification was commissioned by King Pedro II. In the house of the Prior-Major of the Order, or the military commander of the fortress—after the abolition of the orders (in 1834)—the explorer of African lands, Hermenegildo Carlos de Brito Capelo, son of the fortress's governor, was born on February 4, 1841. Palmela Castle was classified as a National Monument by Decree-Law of June 16, 1910. Parking outside the walls is recommended.

These were the "mills" of old, moved by the wind, heavy granite millstones, transformed wheat seeds into flour from which delicious bread was made, which "satisfied" the hunger of those who had little to eat.

Great View!

At the top of the Serra do Louro stand the windmills which, in the not so distant past, were an important industry for processing cereals. The force of the wind hits the open sails, turning an axle, which in turn transmits the rotation to a limestone stone that rotates on another fixed one. These stones, called "millstones", receive the cereal grains between them, transforming them into flour.

It's near the port in Setubal. It's pretty big. There is everything you need for eating / cooking: Fish, meat, cheese, etc. There are small dining places all around. Also fine art: Azulejos and figures. Very nice to look at and dine.

The piece is called “The Cat and the Wind” and is by the artist Ricardo Romero. It is located on top of the Casa do Turismo de Setúbal. If you have ever been for a walk in the Baixa district, you must have noticed the enormous black cat installed on the roof of the Casa do Turismo de Setúbal, in Praça do Bocage. As soon as the sculpture was installed in 2021, several images of the piece began to be shared on social media, accompanied by some questions related to the artist. After a few days of secrecy, the local authority revealed that the acrylic resin sculpture, measuring 3.80 metres long and 2.30 metres high, is by the artist Ricardo Romero, from the Matilha Studio project, known for developing works that combine urban art with social and animal causes. The piece is called “The Cat and the Wind” and, according to the artist, aims to draw attention to the hustle and bustle of everyday life and the lack of contemplation of art. “People are very used to classical statuary in cities. They look at things and don’t see them, they don’t appreciate them. Life can be lived if we contemplate it at the same time”, explained Ricardo in the same note. Despite having several possible interpretations, the work, adds Carla Tavares, Ricardo Romero’s project manager, invites the population to stop and reflect on the rush that is life today. Text copied from "New in Setúbal", author: Carolina Bico.

Foodies with adore Setúbal's indoor Mercado do Livramento. It's an incredible place to head to sample those typical Portuguese flavours from bacalhau (salt-dried cod) to pasteis de nata (custard tarts). The array of fresh produce on sale here is simply mesmerising, with around 300 independent vendors all housed under the one roof. The fact that the market remains an integral part of Setúbal life and culture makes the market all the more impressive to behold. Wander this vast warehouse-like space to soak up the atmosphere, or make your way among the stalls to pick and choose the very best ingredients for a picnic like no other. Seasonal fruits are always piled high, as are olives and other locally-grown foodstuffs. But the star of the show here for 140 years has been the market's fish, which arrive here fresh from the fishermen's boats each day. It's best to get here early to grab the best produce and enjoy the liveliest atmosphere.

Address: Av. Luísa Todi, 163, Setúbal. Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 7am to 2pm.