Setúbal

A little about the history of Setúbal...

1 - A bit about the history of Setúbal...

The history of the city of Setúbal dates back to Roman times. At the time - the 1st to 4th centuries - it was a village called Cetóbriga, linked to the salting of fish and the manufacture of fishing materials.

With the Arab occupation of the surrounding areas, the area was gradually abandoned and there are no records of settlements in the region until the 12th century.

After the conquest of Palmela from the Moors by King Afonso Henriques (in 1147), and the establishment of the Order of Santiago da Espada, which gave it protection, Setúbal was once again populated.

1 - A bit about the history of Setúbal...

The history of the city of Setúbal dates back to Roman times. At the time - the 1st to 4th centuries - it was a village called Cetóbriga, linked to the salting of fish and the manufacture of fishing materials.

With the Arab occupation of the surrounding areas, the area was gradually abandoned and there are no records of settlements in the region until the 12th century.

After the conquest of Palmela from the Moors by King Afonso Henriques (in 1147), and the establishment of the Order of Santiago da Espada, which gave it protection, Setúbal was once again populated.

Throughout the 15th century, economic activities linked to the shipbuilding industry and maritime trade developed here, with high prices being charged for products entering the port. In 1458, King Afonso V set sail from this port to conquer Alcácer Ceguer.

In the 17th century, salt became a currency and Setúbal reached its peak of prosperity. In the 18th century, the first sardine canning factories were set up here and the production of oranges and muscat grapes gained fame.

Today, Setúbal's connection with the river and the sea is clearly visible in its gastronomy, marked by fish and seafood dishes. Setúbal's muscatel grape wine is now one of the most awarded in Portugal.

© VisitSetubal

Estação do Oriente © Agenda Cultural de Lisboa

© VisitSetubal

Livramento Market © Município de Setúbal

a. Architecture in Setúbal

There are various architectural styles to be found in the streets of Setúbal, from a Manueline-style church and convent to an art deco market, and even a military and Mannerist fortification - the Forte de São Filipe.

2 – The parish of Setúbal in numbers

The parish of Setúbal 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

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Alfama thus began to lose its importance and, although it wasn't affected by the earthquake, it was left behind.
by the earthquake, it was left abandoned by the central government until the 20th century - being identified
being identified as a dangerous part of the city.

Despite its decadence in the 19th century Alfama saw the emergence of a musical style that is now considered to be an intangible UNESCO intangible heritage - Fado! Born in the streets, bars and prostitution centres of
Alfama, Fado began to be heard at court and gained another kind of prominence.

With the emergence of the fado singer Amália Rodrigues, fado became internationally recognised.
recognised internationally.

Today, Alfama is one of the best known and most visited neighbourhoods in the city. Here
you can feel the neighbourhood life, you can feel the fado, you can feel the essence of Lisbon!

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© Remessa Online

Estação do Oriente © Agenda Cultural de Lisboa

© Remessa Online

In Campo de Ourique there is quantity and quality. As you walk around the neighborhood, you'll find all kinds of stores - cafés, pastry stores, restaurants, grocery stores and a variety of stores. It is also home to some of the best schools and colleges in the city, such as the "Liceu Pedro Nunes" and the "Salesianos de Lisboa".

Campo de Ourique is very well located, in the center of the triangle formed by Amoreiras, Estrela and Prazeres. Just an 11-minute walk from Amoreiras Shopping Center and a 15-minute walk from Jardim da Estrela.

The famous streetcar 28, which runs through Lisbon's historic neighborhoods, has its last stop here, next to the Prazeres Cemetery. 

Several streetcars and buses pass through the streets of Campo de Ourique throughout the day. In three years' time, the neighborhood will also have a metro station.
 

3 - Why choose to live in Setúbal?

Setúbal is conveniently located near Lisbon, making it the ideal option for those who work in the capital but prefer a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Here you'll find all kinds of commerce and services, such as stores, restaurants, bars, cafés, supermarkets and even a shopping center - the Alegro Setúbal. In addition, Setúbal has a quality educational offer, with renowned schools and educational institutions, such as the Bocage Secondary School.

The city is located on the north bank of the Sado river estuary and is surrounded by the Arrábida Natural Park, offering stunning natural landscapes as well as the opportunity to practice outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and even bird watching.

Gastronomy is another highlight of the city of Setúbal, known for its quality wines and traditional fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as fried cuttlefish and "caldeirada à Setubalense".

In addition to road and rail connections to the city of Lisbon, Setúbal offers various access routes to the rest of the country, via the South Highway.

3 – Why choose to live in Setúbal?

Setúbal is conveniently located near Lisbon, making it the ideal option for those who work in the capital but prefer a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Here you´ll find all kinds of commerce and services, such as stores, restaurants, bars, cafés, supermarkets and even a shopping center - the Alegro Setúbal. In addition, Setúbal has a quality educational offer, with renowned schools and educational institutions, such as the Bocage Secondary School.

The city is located on the north bank of the Sado river estuary and is surrounded by the Arrábida Natural Park, offering stunning natural landscapes as well as the opportunity to practice outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and even bird watching.

Gastronomy is another highlight of the city of Setúbal, known for its quality wines and traditional fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as fried cuttlefish and caldeirada à Setubalense.

In addition to road and rail connections to the city of Lisbon, Setúbal offers various access routes to the rest of the country, via the South Highway.

3 - Why choose to live in Setúbal?

Setúbal is conveniently located near Lisbon, making it the ideal option for those who work in the capital but prefer a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Here you´ll find all kinds of commerce and services, such as stores, restaurants, bars, cafés, supermarkets and even a shopping center - the Alegro Setúbal. In addition, Setúbal has a quality educational offer, with renowned schools and educational institutions, such as the Bocage Secondary School.

The city is located on the north bank of the Sado river estuary and is surrounded by the Arrábida Natural Park, offering stunning natural landscapes as well as the opportunity to practice outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and even bird watching.

Gastronomy is another highlight of the city of Setúbal, known for its quality wines and traditional fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as fried cuttlefish and caldeirada à Setubalense.

In addition to road and rail connections to the city of Lisbon, Setúbal offers various access routes to the rest of the country, via the South Highway.

3 - Why choose to live in Setúbal?

Setúbal is conveniently located near Lisbon, making it the ideal option for those who work in the capital but prefer a quieter life away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Here you'll find all kinds of commerce and services, such as stores, restaurants, bars, cafés, supermarkets and even a shopping center - the Alegro Setúbal. In addition, Setúbal has a quality educational offer, with renowned schools and educational institutions, such as the Bocage Secondary School.

The city is located on the north bank of the Sado river estuary and is surrounded by the Arrábida Natural Park, offering stunning natural landscapes as well as the opportunity to practice outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling and even bird watching.

Gastronomy is another highlight of the city of Setúbal, known for its quality wines and traditional fresh fish and seafood dishes, such as fried cuttlefish and "caldeirada à Setubalense".

In addition to road and rail connections to the city of Lisbon, Setúbal offers various access routes to the rest of the country, via the South Highway.

What to see and do in Setúbal?

©municipiodesetubal

Setúbal's historic center takes you back in time, discovering the heritage of ancient Phoenician and Roman civilizations. This is where city life happens, with souvenir stores, restaurants, ice cream parlors and cafés open all day and into the evening. This is also where you'll find the famous Praça do Bocage, which has a statue paying homage to our Portuguese poet; the Casa da Cultura; the Convento de Jesus and the Igreja de São Julião. Come and lose yourself in the alleys, squares and courtyards of Setúbal's historic center!

©Câmara Municipal de Lisboa - Jardim da Parada

The opera singer Luísa Todi gave her name to the city's main avenue. This is known for being the best area in Setúbal for window-shopping, full of stores, restaurants, ice-cream parlors and cafés with pleasant terraces. This is also where you'll find the Luísa Todi Forum, a venue for live shows, and the popular Livramento Market. Continuing along the avenue, you reach the city dock and the beaches of Saúde, Albarquel and Comenda.

Located on Avenida Luísa Todi, the Livramento Market is considered one of the best fish markets in the world. Its vibrant and colorful stands feature fish, seafood, fruit, vegetables, wines and even flowers. The entire market is covered in large panels of Portuguese tiles, depicting the commercial life and agricultural tradition of the city (more than 5,000 pieces!). Fun fact: Did you know that the four sculptures found here represent some of the professions carried out in this market? They are the chicken and egg seller, the flower seller, the fish unloader and the butcher! 

Opening hours
From 07h30 to 14h00 (Closed on Mondays)

@casafernandopessoa

Livramento Market ©Município de Setúbal

The São Filipe Fort is an artillery fort created in 1582 to protect the city from pirates from Northern Europe and Africa. This is one of Setúbal's most historic features and one of its most important tourist attractions, accessed from the famous Avenida Luísa Todi. It is also known as the Castle or Fortress of São Filipe. A peaceful spot with a unique view over the bay of Setúbal, the Arrábida mountains and the Troia peninsula!

 @amoreiras360view

Forte de São Filipe © VisitSetubal

With an area of approximately 17,000 hectares (of which more than 5,000 are marine), the Arrábida Natural Park is an ecological sanctuary known for its numerous and varied fauna and flora. Visitors can explore the park via signposted trails or enjoy recreational activities in the sea, such as snorkeling. The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, with a great diversity of species inhabiting the region. Among the fascinating natural landscapes that can be contemplated here are the coastal cliffs, where the dense green of the mountains and the turquoise blue of the sea come together in incomparable beauty. A true natural gem!

©pedro-vilelas-scaled

With a geographical area of almost 24,000 hectares, the Sado Estuary Nature Reserve is home to more than 600 species of fauna and flora. In addition to watching birds such as storks and flamingos, this is an area where dolphins are often spotted, being the only dolphin population resident in an estuary in Portugal (and one of only three in the rest of Europe). Activities such as hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, boat trips and even horseback riding can also be practiced here. A place to relax and get in touch with nature!

©visitlisboa

Where to eat and drink:

Casa Santiago - O Rei do Choco Frito (The King of Fried Cuttlefish) is one of the best known and most acclaimed restaurants in Setúbal. As you may have noticed, the specialty here is Setúbal's famous fried cuttlefish, considered by many to be "the best in the region". Order a portion accompanied by French fries and/or salad. After all, going to Setúbal and not eating fried cuttlefish is like “going to Rome and not seeing the Pope”!
Average price 15€
Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 11h30 - 14h45 / 18h00 - 21h45
Saturday: 11h30 - 15h45 / 18h00 - 21h45
(Closed on Sundays)

©O Rei do Choco Frito

The "Pérola da Mourisca" restaurant is known for being the best snack restaurant in the Setúbal area. Among the delicacies that fill the house every day are: stuffed peppers with crab, fried quail eggs on bread, "pica-pau" and, of course, the famous Sado oysters. The menu also includes traditional dishes such as codfish with cornbread and razor clam rice. A place where the flavors of inland Alentejo merge with the unique ingredients of the Sado estuary!
Average price 20€
Opening hours
Monday: 12h30 - 15h30
Wednesday to Sunday: 12h30 - 15h30 / 19h00 - 22h30
(Closed on Tuesdays)

The "Pérola da Mourisca" restaurant is known for being the best snack restaurant in the Setúbal area. Among the delicacies that fill the house every day are: stuffed peppers with crab, fried quail eggs on bread, "pica-pau" and, of course, the famous Sado oysters. The menu also includes traditional dishes such as codfish with cornbread and razor clam rice. A place where the flavors of inland Alentejo merge with the unique ingredients of the Sado estuary!
Average price 20€
Opening hours
Monday: 12h30 - 15h30
Wednesday to Sunday: 12h30 - 15h30 / 19h00 - 22h30
(Closed on Tuesdays)

The "Pérola da Mourisca" restaurant is known for being the best snack restaurant in the Setúbal area. Among the delicacies that fill the house every day are: stuffed peppers with crab, fried quail eggs on bread, "pica-pau" and, of course, the famous Sado oysters. The menu also includes traditional dishes such as codfish with cornbread and razor clam rice. A place where the flavors of inland Alentejo merge with the unique ingredients of the Sado estuary!
Average price 20€
Opening hours
Monday: 12h30 - 15h30
Wednesday to Sunday: 12h30 - 15h30 / 19h00 - 22h30
(Closed on Tuesdays)

The "Pérola da Mourisca" restaurant is known for being the best snack restaurant in the Setúbal area. Among the delicacies that fill the house every day are: stuffed peppers with crab, fried quail eggs on bread, "pica-pau" and, of course, the famous Sado oysters. The menu also includes traditional dishes such as codfish with cornbread and razor clam rice. A place where the flavors of inland Alentejo merge with the unique ingredients of the Sado estuary!
Average price 20€
Opening hours
Monday: 12h30 - 15h30
Wednesday to Sunday: 12h30 - 15h30 / 19h00 - 22h30
(Closed on Tuesdays)

©Pérola da Mourisca

Xtoria Restaurant is a symbol of pride for Setúbal, having won the Bib Gourmand award in the Michelin Guide for Portugal and Spain for the second year running in 2023. The restaurant focuses on traditional dishes influenced by cuisines from all over the world, always highlighting local and regional ingredients, in a menu that varies according to the seasonality of the products. An experience that promises to unite "the soul of the Serra da Arrábida, the salty breeze of the Sado and the adventurous spirit of the fishermen".
Average price 35€
Opening hours
Monday and Tuesday: 19h30 - 22h30
Wednesday to Saturday: 12h30 - 15h00 / 19h30 - 23h00
(Closed on Sundays)

©Xtoria

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