According to Wholevehicles, Setubal is a small city and, at the same time, one of the main ports of Portugal, a fairly developed industrial center, which, nevertheless, like a magnet attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
And the thing is that Setubal, firstly, is located in the mountains and is surrounded by incredibly beautiful nature, which is also a protected area. And secondly, being a city with a fairly long history and a port of international importance, it can boast of a rich cultural heritage and historical sights.
History
Setubal was erected on the site of the settlement of the ancient Romans, which was called Setobriga. In the 4th century, this city experienced a rather powerful tsunami, after which a full-fledged life was resumed only in the 11th century, and after another three hundred years, in the era of the development of navigation, life in Setubal began to scream. However, in the 17th century it was practically leveled to the ground during an earthquake, but quickly recovered.
Setubal was erected on the site of the settlement of the ancient Romans, which was called Setobriga.
Kitchen
Setúbal will delight lovers of sea delicacies. Many restaurants serve only freshly caught fish, and the city’s most popular restaurant, O Rei do Choco Frito, serves a rather unusual dish that everyone who comes here should try – Setúbal style cuttlefish.
Beach
Despite the fact that Setubal is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, it does not have the status of a resort town. However, in its vicinity there is a stunningly beautiful, equipped beach, surrounded by rocks and impregnable for the winds. Here you can not only swim in the ocean and sunbathe, but also engage in various water sports.
Here you can not only swim in the ocean and sunbathe, but also engage in various water sports.
Entertainment and attractions of Setubal
The main local attraction is the ancient fortress of Estrada de Sao Felipe, built back in the 16th century by order of the Portuguese monarch Philip II to protect against the predatory raids of pirates. This fortress has an interesting architectural feature – in shape it is a five-pointed star, the entrance to which is protected not only by massive metal gates, but also by a mysterious underground tunnel.
The fortress of San Felipe has been perfectly preserved to this day, and today it houses a fashionable hotel of the Portuguese Pousada chain (a chain of hotels located in ancient castle buildings).
In addition, you should definitely visit the ruins of Setobriga – to this day they are one of the main historical attractions of Portugal.
Another interesting place, fanned with the same mystical halo, is the temple of Nossa Senhora do Cabo.
Another interesting place, fanned with the same mystical halo, is the temple of Nossa Senhora do Cabo. It amazes everyone with its beauty and grandeur, unusual arches, but the main thing is its location. After all, this temple was built simply on a sheer cliff, along which, according to legend, the Mother of God rose from the ocean to the city. For several centuries in a row, every Christian considered it his duty to visit these places.
No less majestic is the Gothic Cathedral – a real pearl of Setúbal. Built in the 15th century according to the design of one of the best architects of those times, Diogo Bayrac, the cathedral is the oldest building in the city. Twisted columns made of pink limestone give it special grace, but the main decoration is the Cross of the Savior, placed in front of the portal at the entrance. There used to be a small monastery next to the temple, on the territory of which today there is the Museum of Religion, where there are not only valuable objects intended for religious rites, but also the most beautiful canvases dedicated to religious themes.
Of genuine interest is the Archaeological Museum of Setubal, which contains a huge collection of exhibits from various eras that can fully illustrate the history of the city and the peculiarities of their life.
In general, walking around this city, it is impossible to remain indifferent to its architectural beauties. Here, ancient buildings along quiet, green-covered and paved pedestrian streets peacefully coexist with modern houses, hotels and even factories. Medieval fountains still roar in the city squares and small restaurants open their doors cordially, serving traditional national cuisine – soups, beef or pork cutlets, baked meat of a young goat, or chicken, etc., combined with excellent Portuguese wines.
Perhaps the most breathtaking sight that is observed here is the nightly migration of dolphins.
And not only in the city, but also in its surroundings, you can see a lot of interesting things. Perhaps the most breathtaking sight that is observed here is the nightly migration of dolphins. The fact is that every day these smartest creatures swim in the mouth of the Sadu River to eat fish. Being in this picturesque place, and even in the company of these smartest creatures, you really get distracted from the daily hustle and bustle and get an incredible charge of positive emotions.
