Santa Maria da Feira

Santa Maria da Feira is one of those municipalities that, despite being located near major urban centres and at the confluence of major lines of communication as the A1, A29 and the IC2, manages to retain a tranquility that astonishes the visitor, alternating between the pastoral beauty of natural landscapes of the interior, industry, strategically located, an emblematic cultural activity and a historical legacy that boasts the sites. Showing human presence since the geologic themes, with vestiges of the Castro culture, Roman and Arabic, the origins of the municipality in the context of a nationality set should probably, to the formation of a settlement that, next to the castle walls – one of the most beautiful and remarkable in the country – was a fair under the blessing of the Virgin Mary. Over time, this fair grew up in religious, cultural and social importance-much thanks to the Castle, as military and defence outpost of a vast region, provided the necessary security traders – giving rise to the name of the municipality. D. Manuel I grant him foral in 1514, attesting his importance that always had since the struggles of the Reconquista and the Foundation of nationality and, later, during the French invasions and the Peninsular wars. Many of these and other memories are perpetuated in several museological spaces of the County, is in the Museum of Paper Lands of Santa Maria, in the Convent of Loios Museum or the Museum of Santa Maria de Lamas. Without belittling, however, its historical and rural origins, since agriculture still remains as important activity in the Inland parishes, the municipality hosts today a dynamic and diverse industry, hosting the biggest world center of transformation of Cork and the largest concentration of the footwear industry, in addition to metalworking industries, metallurgy, paper, ceramics, dairy products, toys, childcare and children's equipment. This development is still driven by the tertiary sector, the level of trade, tourism and services, highlighting the Europarque, a Congress Center of recognized importance is also the scene of an extensive and qualified annual cultural program. The strong focus of the Council on culture also translates into events as hailed as the Medieval Journey in August, the Imaginarius Festival in may, dreamland at Christmas or the Festival for People Sitting in February, which drags crowds and streamline the entire surrounding region. More typical is the Festa das Fogaceiras secular to 20 January, the feast of the most iconic municipality, which is associated with traditional Focaccia, ex-libris of regional cuisine and a delicacy not to be missed. Passing the Termas de São Jorge, ideal refuge to take care of body and mind, or by Zoo de Lourosa, an ornithological park paradise for wild birds, the available options are varied for a visit to the municipality of Santa Maria da Feira, where modern life harmonizes with the preserved tradition and eclectic culture.

What to do in Santa Maria da Feira

Where to eat in Santa Maria da Feira

Where to sleep in Santa Maria da Feira

Ibis Porto Sul Europarque
Ibis Porto Sul Europarque

2 star

Modern Hotel, situated in Santa Maria da Feira, near the Europarque, and a few kilometres from the beaches of Espinho, Esmoriz. Offers affordable rooms, 63, a …

Motel Emoções
Motel Emoções

The Motel Emotions is a hotel unit created especially thinking of you, seeking the welfare and comfort. The secrecy is also very important, and at Check-in and…

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