From Fonte de São João, panoramic views stretch across the fields of the Mondego to Figueira da Foz. The construction of river boats continues to this day in Borda do Campo. These two local themes give Paião a clear identity: landscape and craftsmanship. For culture lovers, the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Seiça and the Capela de Nossa Senhora de Seiça add their distinct historical and architectural traces.

Monastery history in several stages

The Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Seiça is first documented in a charter dating from 1162. This date marks the earliest known written record, not necessarily the monastery’s founding. In 1195, it was given to the Abbey of Santa Maria de Alcobaça—33 years after its first documentary mention. The two dates therefore refer to different stages: first the written record, then the gift. The monastery also served as a centre for the order’s philosophical studies. Those interested in its history can distinguish between several aspects: its early mention, its later donation and its role as a centre of study.

The chapel’s architecture and imagery

The Capela de Nossa Senhora de Seiça was built in 850 and rebuilt under D. Afonso Henriques and D. Sancho I. It was rebuilt again in 1602 during Castilian rule. Its construction history thus spans several periods. The chapel has an octagonal Baroque form and is surrounded by a colonnade of Doric columns. Inside are 18th-century paintings depicting the founding miracles of the chapel and the monastery. For a cultural stay, this offers two distinct ways to explore the site: the exterior design and its colonnade, and the religious imagery inside. The building’s form, column order and paintings add concrete architectural and artistic details to the historical facts.

Views and a continuing craft tradition

Fonte de São João is known for its views across the fields of the Mondego and Figueira da Foz. In Borda do Campo, the focus is instead on a craft tradition: river boats are still built there. The two themes offer different perspectives on Paião, without requiring a fixed sightseeing itinerary. If you want to plan your trip around your own interests, you can choose between the local landscape and craftsmanship, and the history and architecture of the buildings mentioned above.

Festival dates and regional cuisine

The Festa de Nossa Senhora de Ceiça takes place on 15 August. It includes a market in the square next to the chapel. If you would like to include the Festa in your travel plans, check whether it is taking place in the year you travel. The Figueira da Foz area hosts several food festivals throughout the year featuring shad and lamprey. This regional cuisine is a distinct area of interest, separate from the local viewpoints and boatbuilding.

One specific dining option is O Peleiro, located in a former tannery, which serves Sopa da Pedra and Cabrito no Forno. Both dishes are specialities there; restaurant and menu details may change. If you are planning to go specifically for one of these dishes, check the latest information in advance.

Discover more destinations: Alqueidão, Lavos, Buarcos, Maiorca.

Go to the main travel overview: Figueira Da Foz.