Lisbon is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque cities in Europe blessed with gorgeous and magnificent attractions, landscaped gardens perfect for organizing a picnic, state-of-the-art museums, high class shopping centers and an extremely vibrant nightlife. Picture-perfect Lisbon with its surroundings is just a must-to-explore small piece of history. But is Lisbon the only city worth to be explored while visiting Portugal? It definitely is a great city, but not the only. So welcome to Setubal, a most beautiful Portuguese city.
Setubal is a home awash with history dating back to before even the Roman Period. The town us said to be founded by one of Noah’s relatives. Due to its close relation with the sea in approximately the 1st century AD fish salting industry started there. Nowadays Setubal is at the heart of the Portuguese sardine industry and is very famous for its sweet and subtle wine. The city enjoys the surroundings of pedestrian streets, fountains and gardens.
Setubal is nestled in the mouth of the Sado River on the coast just below Lisbon and opposite the amazing peninsula of Troia. An ancient Roman town once known as a very popular fishing center, called Cetobriga lies there buried under the sands. In Setubal there is a tiny and beautiful Church of Jesus dating back to the 15th century and embellished with stonework in the typical rope style of the Manueline era. Local pink marble called Arrabida was used to make its columns. The monastery houses the most impressive collection of the 16th century paintings and religious artefacts dedicated to one of Portugal’s most important and well-known poets Bocage whose origins are from Setubal.
The awe-inspiring city also boasts of its overlooking chapel, Fort of Sao Felipe situated right on the hill of Setubal. Spanish King Felipe II built this astonishing, star-shaped chapel to defend the town in the 16th century when he annexed his neighboring Portugal. Today this castle is one of the most attractive and luxurious parts of Portugal and is renowned with its antique furniture and breathtaking scenery of the bay.
Setubal is an active city with many outdoor activities taking place. Just look at the river on a weekend day and you’ll see the number of fishermen, people canoeing, sailing, or practicing windsurf. Several sports like cycling or mountain climbing are also very popular, or you can simply take a walk on one of the several beautiful public gardens. As you see, everything is provided. Just take a photo-camera for best shoots in the most artistic getaway of Portugal, historical Setubal.
