Montijo

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Situated north of Setúbal peninsula, in a transition area between the alluvial plains of Tagus estuary's south bank, Ribatejo's plain and Alentejo's peneplain, the municipality of Montijo is part of the metropolitan area of Lisbon. Human occupation dates back to the Paleolithic age and proof of this are the numerous archaeological remains found in this area. Formerly known as Aldeia Galega, the name was changed in 1930 to Montijo. The former name of the municipality was due to an inhabitant from Galicia named Alda. She had a "sale", which served the people who passed the port to go to Lisbon and the Alentejo. Along the way the travelers claimed to pass at Alda's, the "Galega", which gave way to the first name of the village. The activities relating to meat production, slaughter and processing, preparation and transformation of cork, as well as horticultural, vineyard and flower production have always been the most significant ones for the municipality's economy. However, with the construction of Vasco da Gama bridge and the completion of some relevant roads, Montijo, like other neighboring councils, strengthened its economic strategy, competing to attract new investments more linked to commercial activities to the detriment of activities linked to the primary sector. Bullfights and "largadas" ("bull releases") are traditions closely linked to the municipality and bring many supporters together during the festivities time. Regional products like pine nuts, honey, sheep's cheese, sweets like the "aldeanos" (cookies made with almond and pumpkin jam) and wine (Pegões) constitute a brand image of this municipality.

What to do in Montijo

Igreja do Espírito Santo / Igreja Matriz do Montijo

Montijo

A church that was built in the 15th century and quite altered later on. At the front part there is a portico with columns and a triangular fronton. The interior is covered by 18th century tiles that picture scenes of the lifee of the Virgin Mary. The chancel is in the manuelin style and the portals are of the Renaissance.

Museu Municipal - Casa da Mora

Montijo

Located in the historical area of the town, this museum is in a fine building of the late 19th century. It features the cultural heritage of the parish, namely collections that deal with different aspects of the local history, from the paleolithic to our current days.

Igreja de Santo Isidro de Pegões

Montijo

A church with a geometry of the cement architecture. Somewhat unique in its plan, reminding us of the "Estado-Novo" (New State, the right wing political regime that was in power before the revolution of April 25, 1974), the dome and lateral walls of the high altar are decorated with paintings that relate to the life of Saint Isidro.

Igreja Nossa Senhora da Atalaia

Montijo

A mannerist construction, rebuilt in the 18th century. The interior walls are covered by white and blue tiles of the 17th century that picture scenes of the life of the Virgin Mary. On the back of the church there is …

Parque de Exposicões do Montijo / Parque de Exposições Acácio Dores

Montijo

This space welcomes several fairs and exhibitions with the traditions and uses of the parish. It also welcomes celebrations and concerts.

Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

Montijo

The main façade is sided by a tower that has three bells. The interior, with one sole nave, has five altars. A special note to the hispanic-arabic tiles and to the paintings of the 1600s.

Capela da Misericórdia de Canha

Montijo

The altar of the chancel has a golden carvings retable and Solomon columns that surround the painted pannels that picture Saint Margareth of Cortona and Saint Martin of Tours, of the 17th century. On the ceiling there is the National …

Cinema-Teatro Joaquim d'Almeida

Montijo

A space inaugurated in 1957, that functioned until 1991. In 1999, it was acquired by the Montijo Town Hall and was restored and eventually reopened in August 2005. The most varied cultural activities take place here.

Jardim do Saldanha

Montijo

A large garden, quit pleasant and with a playground.

Campo de Futebol do Clube Desportivo do Montijo / Campo da Liberdade

Montijo

A soccer field with a lawn and seats for 8000 spectators. Paulo Futre and Ricardo, the goal keeper of Sporting and of the National Team, started their careers here.

Piscinas Municipais do Montijo

Montijo

Conjunto de piscinas interiores, com boas instalações de apoio.

Capela da Quinta do Saldanha

Montijo

Known as the Hermitage of Our Lady of the Afflicted, this chapel is located in the Saldanha Farm. A special note to the most beautiful marbl Christ on a wooden cross. The image of Our Lord Jesus of the Afflicted …

Igreja de São Jorge e Ermida de Nossa Senhora da Piedade

Montijo

A temple of baroque features founded in 1740, during the reign of Dom João V. The interior has one sole nave, covered by a ceiling with frescoes and tile panels of the 1700s on the walls. The left side of …

Igreja da Misericórdia do Montijo

Montijo

A church built in the 16th century that was several times remodelled throughout the centuries. The main façade has a portal topped by a triangular fronton. The interior is covered by tiles, like a "carpet", of the 17th century.

Praça de Touros Amadeu Augusto dos Santos

Montijo

This bullfight arena belongs to the "Santa Casa da Misericórdia" of Montijo. It is a first class arena and has 6281 seats and 3 to 4 bullfights each year.

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Where to eat in Montijo

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Where to sleep in Montijo

Monte do Lago
Monte do Lago

Located in the Pegões plain, in a farm that has about 70 000 metres of vineyards. It has 10 fully equipped rooms.

O Catraio
O Catraio

A boarding house located near the river, with 13 fully equipped rooms. It has a restaurant, the oldest in the parish, that serves regional food.

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