Azeitão

A bit about the history of Azeitão...

1 - A little about the history of Azeitão...

The history of Azeitão dates back to ancient times; to when the region was occupied by Romans.

With its favorable climate and fertile land, the area prospered as an important agricultural center. However, it was during the Islamic period that it began to develop as a town. 

With the Moors came new farming techniques, such as the production of olive oil and wine. Actually, the region owes its name to the extensive olive groves that covered its land - "Azzeitum" (the name given by the Arabs).

After the Christian reconquest of Portugal in the 12th century, several churches and monasteries were established here, such as the Church of São Lourenço and the Convent of São Paulo.

In the 15th century Azeitão became the residence of several noble families, founding several farms, palaces and fountains that are still part of the region's heritage today - such as Quinta das Torres and the Palace of the Dukes of Aveiro.

Azeitão continues to thrive, especially in wine production: the vineyards and wineries become an integral part of the local landscape and its wines gain recognition throughout the country.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, tile production became a significant activity in the region. Today, decorative tiles can still be seen on many of its buildings.
 

a. Architecture in Azeitão

The architecture in Azeitão covers different periods and styles, from Baroque churches and Renaissance estates to an imposing Mannerist palace.

Also in Baroque style is an ancient fountain, the Fonte dos Pasmados. Legend has it that "whoever drinks from this water will be forever linked to the town". 

Inauguration of the statue of Dom Pedro IV © Arquivo Municipal de Lisboa

2 - The parish of Azeitão in numbers

The parish of Azeitão belongs to the district of Setúbal and is part of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area.

* (Population aged 65 or over / Population under 15) * 100
** Price Report December 2024 Idealist 
*** Price Report December 2024 Idealist

3 - Why choose to live in Azeitão?

One of Azeitão's great strengths is its strategic location - around 30 minutes by car from Lisbon.

In this sense, the region is a popular choice for those who wish to live in a peaceful and picturesque location just a few minutes from all the amenities and attractions that a city offers.

Even so, Azeitão has a wide range of services and infrastructures, ensuring that all the daily needs of its residents are met: schools, supermarkets, restaurants, cafés and leisure options.

Here you can feel the calm rhythm of the countryside, with idyllic scenery ranging from extensive vineyards to grandiose mountains. Its proximity to the Arrábida Natural Park also gives it easy access to some of the best beaches in the region, such as Praia dos Coelhos and Praia da Figueirinha.

Azeitão is also known for its historical and cultural heritage, housing important architectural complexes such as Quinta da Bacalhoa and the Palace of the Dukes of Aveiro.

In terms of gastronomy, the region is distinguished: in addition to wine, Queijo de Azeitão (a soft cheese) and Tortas de Azeitão (a regional sweet) have already won the parish several awards.
 

What to see and do in Azeitão

With over 500 years of history, Quinta da Bacalhoa is famous not only for its prestigious wines, but also for housing an important tile collection from the 15th and 16th centuries.

Among the private art collection inside is the famous "Susana e os Velhos" tile panel - the first dated in Portugal.

A visit to Quinta da Bacalhoa includes an excursion to the winery/museum, a stroll through the gardens and a tasting of regional products (including award-winning wines).

Fun fact: Did you know that the Quinta da Bacalhoa Palace is considered to be the first example of Renaissance architecture in Portugal? It has been classified as a National Monument since 1910.

Normal ticket price: 14€ - 250€

Visiting hours: Monday to Saturday: 10h00 (1st shift) / 15h00 (2nd shift)
 

José Maria da Fonseca is a family-owned wine company that is almost two centuries old (1834) and is the oldest table wine company in Portugal.

With a precious heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation - having already reached the seventh generation in the wine business - José Maria da Fonseca combines tradition and modernization, maintaining the authenticity of its products while keeping up with the times. 

Built in the 19th century and restored in 1923, the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum has a particularly beautiful façade covered in Portuguese tiles.

Here you can explore the old cellars, learn about past machinery and understand how the world of wine has evolved over the last 150 years.

At the end of the visit, you'll have the chance to see and taste some of the wines produced by the company.

Price normal ticket 18,50€ - 100€

Visiting times Summer hours (April to October): 10h00 - 17h30 | Winter opening hours (November to March): 10h00 - 16h30
 

Known for maintaining a manual manufacturing process that dates back to the 18th century, the Azeitão tile factory is open for free visits.

As well as getting to know all the stages of the manufacturing process (from whipping to painting), at the end you'll have the fantastic opportunity to decorate your own tile!

An experience not to be missed in Azeitão!

Opening hours
Monday to Saturday: 09h00 - 19h00
Sunday: 10h00 - 13h00 / 14h00 - 19h00
 

The Portinho da Arrábida viewpoint is one of the best viewpoints in Portugal, with a superb view over the Serra da Arrábida, the sea and the Troia Peninsula.

It's a place that sums up the natural beauty of Arrábida in one image, where the crystalline blue of the waters meets the dense green of the mountains.

Fun Fact: Did you know that this is considered one of the most "instagrammable" places in Arrábida, thanks to the free flight ramp that is located here? The wooden ramp is very steep, creating the illusion of being suspended over the ravine and the sea.... at a terrifying height!
 

Where to eat and drink:

As the name suggests, the specialty at this house is the iconic Tortas de Azeitão, a regional confectionery with several distinctions.

Tortas de Azeitão are small yellow rolls filled with "doce de ovos", and its recipe has been passed down from generation to generation.

Come and taste this irresistible and award-winning Portuguese sweet in a century-old house from the early 20th century!

Note. The establishment also includes restaurant service.

Average price: 10€ - 20€

Opening hours: From 08h00 to 00h00 (Closed on Mondays)
 

©Casa das Tortas

Casa Negrito is a traditional pastry shop, delicatessen and restaurant that is a benchmark in Azeitão and the country.

From its own handmade sweets to cheeses and sausages from national producers, Casa Negrito strives for quality and excellence.

Here you'll find the best of traditional sweets, such as walnut “mimos”, Azeitão tarts and pine nut, milk and curd cheesecakes; as well as a wide variety of regional products: cheeses, hams, jams, honey, olive oil, wines and liqueurs!

The restaurant menu offers options such as pizzas, omelettes, sandwiches, toasts and boards.

Average price: 15€

Opening hours: From 08h00 to 20h00 (Closed on Mondays)
 

©Negrito

Part of the José Maria da Fonseca House Museum, the Wine Corner restaurant promises to provide an immersive experience of the brand.

Here, regional dishes by Setubal chef Luís Barradas are served in a relaxed and pleasant space. And to go with it? The entire José Maria da Fonseca wine portfolio, by the glass or bottle!

"A cozy corner dedicated to wine and the history of a family business with almost 200 years of history."

Average price: 35€

Opening hours: From 12h00 to 00h00
 

©Wine Corner

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