It is next to the Tower of Calabash, in the historic city center and is one of its most emblematic monuments. This temple, probably the best example of Romanesque art in the South (ie in the area south of the Borders region), dates from the twelfth century and belonged to the Knights Hospitaller.

In the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, the church implemented a monastic complex located along the Alpram or Alporão door, which was called the Monastery of St. John’s Hospital, which is thought that one of the functions of the temple next door would have been to protect military access to the city by next spring and guard the entrance of Jews in the city, according to the rules established between Christians and that ethnic minority. The primitive set convent, left, next to the southern facade, some traces of a cloister and houses a small monastery.

The foundation of this temple is due, in fact, the Order of St. John’s Hospital, whose attachment to the village then occurred between 1159 and 1185. The exact period of construction of the church is unknown, although not remain doubt occurred in the past decades of the twelfth century.

Characterized by the fertility of its soil, the abundance of pastures and the beauty of its countryside markedly, Golegã retains the traditional Portuguese architecture. According to several authors, the Golegã Village originated in the time of King Afonso Henriques and Sancho I, when a woman’s natural Galicia and lived in Santarém came settle down with an inn on this site. Golegã that already existed in the fifteenth century, it seems beyond doubt, and after having established it said Galician, having spent its name to Sale of the Galician, the Galician Varzim, Vila of the Galician language and later by corruption “Golegã”.

Horse Fair in Golegã

In 1571, begins the current Fair St. Martin Golegã today also National Horse Fair and International Fair Lusitano Horse. From 1833, and with the support of the Marquis of Pombal, the show began to take an important competitive nature, performing equestrian competitions and different races competitions. The best horse breeders were concentrated then in Golegã. In the mid-eighteenth century, had its beginning the Fair of Golegã, called until 1972 Fair St. Martin, the date from which came to be called the National Horse Fair. It is the National Horse Fair the most important and most Castiça of all fairs of its kind taking place in Portugal and worldwide. Here we present all breeders, with its beautiful specimens, which is why we transact in Golegã Thoroughbreds best created in the country, which are sold to many parts of the world, the most important national event Equestrian and the largest warehouse Commercial Lusitano, recognized worldwide.

Golegã became the capital of the horse. The day of St. Martin of Fair, which was traditionally the day November 11, went to be more beautiful and unique public equestrian show performs the free level between us. The testing program is very extensive and varied: Ralies, Raids, Equestrian Games, Championships, Carriages Marathon, Views, are some of the finest performances in Golegã take place in his presentation of the horse. And to complement party justifying the popular adage that “At Saint Martin taste the wine,” there are plenty of water-walking and the roasted chestnuts.

Migration of heights, the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve is home place for more than 120,000 birds, especially the community of flamingos, all year round, beautify and give color to this site.

In addition to the bird community, the nature reserve is further characterized by the existence of traces referring to traditional activities of the municipality. A good example is the Samouco Salinas revealing to all visitors traces of the salt activity, once considered one of the major economic activities of the municipality.

In an extension to Vila Franca de Xira, the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve is still composed of a marshlands area where bulls and horses are bred for taurine deal.

Rich in diversity, the nature reserve is an area that is waiting to be explored, whether by bike, by car, a pedestrian promenade Alcochet’Aventura and, why not, in the traditional craft “Alcatejo” which allows visitors to get a view completely different this area.

When to Visit

The Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve stands out as wintering area for waterfowl. So, the best time for your observation runs from mid-November to late March. Here can be observed a wide variety of species, such as tailors, flamingos, ducks, herons, plovers, sandpipers, geese, etc ..

In the months of spring and summer nesting period, can be seen – mosquitoes, sandpipers, ducks, swallows sea-dwarf, partridges-fish, etc .. During this time, it is essential to keep a high level of tranquility during the visit.

Points of interest

Headquarters / Interpretation Centre of the Tagus Estuary Nature Reserve – from the viewpoint, and during low tide, you can observe the birds that feed on vast areas of sludge short.

Ponta da Erva - this site allows a good view over the estuary, providing an excellent opportunity for bird watching, especially in the period between the tides.

Olhos da Praia - raised the estuary, this location provides magnificent views over the salt marsh Pancas and adjacent farmland; is frequent observation of either birds of prey either Heron Ardea cinerea or gray flying over the fields.

Lezíria sul - covered by a complex freshwater trench network, can be observed and extended irrigation of crops and upland rice. One final feature grazing grounds, hosting livestock effective, particularly the proceedings of cattle, bull fighting and the Lusitano horse.

Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Alcamé - built in the eighteenth century, neoclassical and monumental style under the invocation of Our Lady of Conception, was the appropriate place for the workers of the Plains there to fulfill their religious obligations. It is located in the SPA along the northern boundary of the Nature Reserve. In the late nineteenth century, were held here episodically parties, organized by a committee of revelers who were farmers part of Vila Franca de Xira, Alhambra and Alverca. In the 40s, a group of owners took over the organization of the party linking it to the “Incarnate Vest” Franca de Xira. In recent years, the varinos Association of Vila Franca de Xira has boosted the performance of the pilgrimage by June 17, with the participation of other local associations. The herdsmen, accompanied by the band and the procession, carrying the litter with the image of Our Lady of Conception from the Church to the pier, home of the departure ceremony. The procession goes by the river, in traditional boats all decked out until the Marquis pier. Then the litter is transferred to a cart, following the procession to the chapel. There are carried out religious ceremonies, including the blessing of cattle, and the camp with presentation of folk dancing and activities associated with halters and herdsmen.

The Tagus estuary is one of the largest wetlands in Europe and the largest wildlife sanctuary in the country. Plays a major international leading role in the conservation of aquatic birds here are excellent conditions for wintering, nesting or in support of migratory routes.

The Reserve Tagus Estuary Nature includes a large area of estuarine waters, mud flats fields intersected by creeks, islets, mudflats, salt marshes and alluvial agricultural land (marshlands). Is part of the zone further upstream of the estuary, distributing the councils of Alcochete, Benavente and Vila Franca de Xira and not exceeding 11 m above sea level and the depth of 10 m.