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Palmela History
The town's name comes from his Roman founder, Cornelius Palma. Palmela, once a
fortress, was conquered by the Portuguese in the XII century, from Muslim
invaders.
Within its walls was born one of the most important pioneers of the "Portuguese
Africa", Brito Capelo. In the castle also lived other significant people of
Portugal's history, like Nuno Alvares e D. Jo�o II. In its churches lie other
famous names notable for their weapons or words. After the extinction of the
Orders, in 1834, though the castle a ruin it was classified as a National
Monument on the 16th June 1919 and was reconstructed. The Pousada Castelo de
Palmela is a 500 years old Convent. In 1940 took place the partial restoration
of the Castle and in 1979 the Pousada was inaugurated, after the adaptation
works to the Convent. With all its austerity, it is possible to enjoy its
interior in a comfortable way that preserves a lot of the 17th century. Through
the cloister is the entrance to the galleries, the social space of the Pousada.
The Santa Maria church, inside the Castle Walls, is very old and was a ruin for
many years. But, in 1534 it was rebuilt with charity help of Dom Prior and many
volunteers. Though it was destroyed by the 1755 earthquake, it still preserves
the Renaissance edification.
The Palmela village was founded 310 before Christ. However, little is known
about Palmela�s history before the conquer of Lisbon by D. Afonso Henriques. It
was then abandoned by the Arabs and became in the Christians possession.
Built in a privileged location, the Palmela Castle is a key point between the
Sado and Tejo�s basin and was one pf the parts of the defensive triangle of
Lisbon. The castle was reconstructed by D. Afonso Henriques, D. Sancho I and D.
Afonso II and amplified by D. Jo�o I still in the 17th century.
There aren't many military histories about the Castle in the following
centuries, neither during the Restoration wars, nor even afterwards.
Nevertheless, in the end of the 17th century were built the castle walls. The
castle also had a high tower, bulwarks, the governor house and soldiers
quarters, where they would stay in any war occasion. It is one of the best
architectural fortresses, specially known for its location and the magnificent
view that it has to offer.
Palmela Description
It is located up a hill in the Arr�bida area, and it's a semi-rural town, right
in the middle of Portugal's biggest urban area, though the fact that many people
are moving in from big cities like Lisbon represents a problem. Wild fires in
the region are another threat to the environment.
The town's ex libris is the castle (Castelo de Palmela), which offers a unique
view over the whole region of Set�bal's Peninsula, Lisbon, and the Atlantic
Coast. It was a strategic place in past centuries, and today it is still a main
knot of Portugal's road and rail networks.
Palmela is home to many multinational industrial plants like Volkswagen or
Coca-Cola, and a significant number of foreign families live in the area. The
local radio often broadcasts in Ukrainian.
Palmela's traditional products are the wine, which has achieved international
awards in several festivals like Bordeaux's, and the queijo de Azeit�o (Azeit�o's
cheese), also very appreciated. There are several festivals dedicated to these
products, being the most famous the Festa das Vindimas (Vines' Festival) and the
Festival do Queijo, P�o e Vinho (Festival of Cheese, Bread and Wine).
Palmela is the birthplace of the Portuguese explorer Hermenegildo Capelo and, as
a curiosity, where some famous individuals such as Hans Christian Andersen were
briefly hosted.
Palmela Map (Click Here)
Palmela Weather
     
Palmela Information
 112 - SOS
800 296 296 - Support to Tourists
Palmela Locations of Interest
Archaeological Site - Grutas do Casal do Pardo
Castle
Town
Palmela Events
Festival da Senhor de Jesus das Chagas - 2nd to 3rd May
Festival dos Santos Populares - 23rd to 30th June
Festival da Nossa Senhora do Cabo - September
Festival da Nossa Senhora da Luz - September
Town Holiday - 15th September
Nearby Palmela Beaches
Praia da Abeda-Nova
Praia dos Aivados
Praia Atl�ntica
Praia do Burrinho
Praia da Comporta
Praia do Carvalhal
Praia da Figueirinha
Praia de Fonte de Corti�o
Praia da Gal�
Praia da Ilha do Pessequeiro
Praia da Lagoa
Praia de Melides
Praia do Morg�vel
Praia do Pego
Praia de Pinheirinho
Praia de Porto Covo
Praia Raposa
Praia da Cota de Santo Andr�
Praia de S�o Torpes
Praia de Troia-Mar
Praia de Vale de Figueiros |
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Portugal Golf
