Malveira brings together market history, regional produce, cultural sites and windmills. These themes appeal to different interests: the markets range from agricultural products to a broad selection of goods, while the fort, chapel and museum offer distinct historical points of interest. When planning your stay, you can therefore decide whether to focus mainly on markets, architectural history or a walk. The Feiras each have a different focus.
Market history and regional products
The Feira da Malveira dates back to the late 18th century. Historically, a weekly Thursday market was added to the annual event at a later date. The Feira de Artesanato e Produtos Regionais da Malveira takes place at Largo da Feira. On Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, visitors will find mainly agricultural produce there, such as vegetables, pulses and fruit, as well as Pão com Chouriço. The selection brings regional agriculture and food into focus; anyone interested in these products will find a specific point of interest for their stay.
Malveira’s market includes tools, shoes, clothing, furniture, antiques, animals, fresh fish, vegetables and flowers, among other things. Its selection therefore goes beyond food. The Trouxas da Malveira also have a clear connection to the town: they are made exclusively in Malveira. A broad mix of goods, agricultural produce and a product originating in Malveira thus offer distinct local themes.
Fort, chapel and museum
The Forte da Feira was built before October 1810 under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Richard Fletcher and has a star-shaped ground plan. It is also part of the second line of defence. These two details offer different perspectives: the star shape describes the ground plan, while its classification indicates its military role. The construction of the Ermida de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios was authorised by a decree issued in Lisbon on 8 May 1723 by Lisbon’s first patriarch, D. Thomaz de Almeida. The date marks the authorisation to build the chapel. The Museu Popular Beatriz Costa is located in the Centro Cultural da Malveira. Together, a distinctive architectural form, a dated history of authorisation and the museum’s location offer different points of reference for exploring local cultural history.
Route and windmill heritage
The PR8_MFR walking route starts and ends at Jardim de São Paulo in Malveira. The trail passes between windmills that form part of the windmill heritage of the Malveira region. Until the second half of the 20th century, these windmills played an important role in the region’s rural economy. The route therefore also offers a connection to regional economic history: the mills represent an earlier role in agriculture. A cultural heritage description updated in October 2015 also mentions a group of well-preserved, still-operational windmills near Malveira.
Discover more destinations: Mafra, Enxara do Bispo, Igreja Nova, Gradil, Santo Isidoro, Ericeira, Carvoeira.
Go to the main travel overview: Mafra.
