Pombal
Its privileged location-between the coast and the interior and between North and South, between Coimbra and Leiria and roughly halfway between Porto and Lisbon, in a territory that stretches from the Sea (Praia do Osso da Baleia) to the Sierra (Sicó) – was a decisive factor, throughout history, for the development of Pombal, currently one of the most prosperous counties in the region. And if on the one hand that location could reduce Pombal the turntable of travellers, the truth is that its architectural and historical heritage, the richness of its natural resources, diversity and quality of its cuisine are more than enough reasons for a longer visit. Pombal owes its foundation to Gualdim Pais, Grão-Mestre da Ordem dos Templários, from which it has received Charter in 1174 and ordered the construction of the towering Castle, ex-libris of the city. But his larger figure was Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, better known as the "Marquês de Pombal", who lived there between 1777 and 1782 and that made it very marked their passage, having been responsible for low reordering of the village. The end of the 18th century was of great development for the region, which however would be interrupted by the French invasions and, later, by the cholera outbreak, events that, together with the total destruction of the Royal Road (which served as a link between Lisbon and Porto), made of Pombal no man's land. The construction of the railroad in 1855, was the turning point for the County that, in the second half of the 20th century, was ultimately on the route of the industrial and economic development. Currently, those who visit Pombal find a modern and welcoming town, marked by history and by contrasts of its location. Crafts and local cuisine are the mirror of these contrasts, with strong influences of the sea and the Sierra. Local handicrafts include baskets and mats of reeds, ceramics and faience and regional costumes (miniature dolls). At the table, the offer is rich and varied. "Sopa à lavrador", "bacalhau à lagareiro", "tortulhos", "torresmos", "carneiro guisado" and "couves migadas com feijão-frade" are the most typical dishes. For dessert, the harder it will be to choose. Be sure to taste the "biscoitos de Louriçal", the "fornilhos", the "bolos de Redilha", the "tigeladas", the "bolinhas de triga-milha", the "sonhos de canela", the "coscorões" and the "broa de azeite".
Where to eat in Pombal
Mediterranean, Portuguese, Regional
25.00 €
A very large restaurant with well prepared dishes and fast and effective service. It offers two spa…
Fast food, Italian
10.00 €
A simple and modern space, with wide glass windows, that serves a large variety of pizzas.
Portuguese
33.00 €
A friendly space that serves quite a variety of national dishes, namely shellfish dishes. During th…
Portuguese
7.50 €
A large restaurant, located on a villa's ground floor, that serves traditional Portuguese dishes, n…
Portuguese
15.00 €
A modern and refined restaurant that belongs to the Hotel Pombalense. It stands out for its effecti…
Italian, Vegetarian
7.50 €
A simple and familiar space that serves quite a variety of Italian dishes, namely pizzas and lasagn…
What to do in Pombal
Where to sleep in Pombal
Situado nos arredores de Pombal, aqui o contacto com a natureza combina na perfeição com o conforto e comodidade de um hotel. Dispõe de um vasto espaço exterio…
3 star
Very nice and modern space to offer 40 well-equipped rooms, a cosy bar, a reading room, a multimedia room and a room for events. There is also a nice restauran…
2 star
Traditional building offering comfortable and modern facilities, including 27 well-equipped rooms, a lounge, a breakfast room and a friendly bar.
Travel Guide
Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions
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