Setubal

It is said that Setubal's history can be dated back to the Roman time and even the town was founded by a relative of Noah.  Its wealth is mainly derived from the sea and harbour.  The fishing salting industry started in 1st century AD and the town's harbour is where King Alfonso V set sail in 1458 to conquer Alcacer Ceguera in Morocco.  Today, the highlights of Setubal are the beach at Troia, the Fort of Sao Filipe and the gorgeous panoramic views.

We took an express bus from Praca de Espanha (blue metro line).  It passes by Águas Livres Aqueduct which was built between 1731 and 1747 due to a severe lack of drinking water in Lisbon. The main course covers 18km. The whole network of canals extends through nearly 58km.


The bus route goes further and will pass the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge.  One can have a fantastic view of the Cristo Rei at the return trip.

We first headed to the Monastery of Jesus, a Manueline (Portugal version of late Gothic) founded in 15th century. Local Arrabida pink marble was used to make its columns and the adjoining monastery houses the most impressive collection of 16th century paintings in the country.  Unfortunately, it was closed for restoration when we visited Setubal.  So disappointed!

The centre of Setubal was very lay back. We visited it on a Saturday.  But there were hardly any people in the historic centre.  Where were they?  Mainly the market and supermarket.


The most striking at the town centre was a dog enjoying the sun and shadow with its sun glass next to a fountain.



Nearby is the Mercado do Livramento.  It has opened its door since 1930.  Many choices of seafood, fresh vegetables, fruits cheese, cured ham, oh just nameless?  Unfortunately, we still had a long day to see the fabulous spots offered at Setubal, else we would have shopped a lot.

Slowly we were on the way to the harbour and took the ferry to Troia Peninsula. Once stepping on the Peninsula, buildings gear for the tourist show up.  They stood proudly at the backdrop of the very blue sky.

Walking pass the lined up restaurants will lead to a wooden path with ground covered plants around.  It looked like a desert and was very dry.

 

After quite a while the white sandy beach appeared in front of us.  It is huge, facing the Atlantic Ocean.  The icy water scared you away from an enjoyable swim in the ocean.  We only saw a man in his diving gear an rubber boat in the water.  Rest of people laid on or stroll along the beach.

 

Nice luxurious houses scatter at the other end of the peninsula. Advertisements with gorgeous interior design are shown here and there to get the houses sold or tempting rich visitors to buy a piece of land to build their dream home.

Shortly after 3pm we were slowly back to Setubal to visit the last but not the least sightseeing point, Fort of Sao Filipe, prominent when one is walking at the waterfront.

 
It is very enjoyable to walk along the waterfront.  Yachts dotted the coastline.  Besides, you will see happy families, fabulous sculptures and many colourful dolphins as dolphin watching is a popular activity in Setubal.

To visit the fort, find the way to Escadinhas do Castelo. It is a long staircase.  At the top, you can turn left to continue on Rua de Sao Filipe.  Our walk was about 20 minutes.

The Fort of Sao Filipe is now a luxurious hotel. The entrance is dotted with Azulejos which depict the life of its patron saint Felipe and the Virgin Mary.

The fort originates from the 14th century and was constructed to provide protection to the fishing port of Setubal from raiding pirates from North Africa. It has not central keep but two heavily fortified battlements.  From there is magnificent views over over the city.