Almeirim lies on an open plain in the Tagus Valley. Places of great tourist interest around Almeirim include the banks of the Tagus and the Ribeira de Alpiarça. This landscape leads the eye to the historical and religious traditions, as well as the wine-growing that also shape Almeirim.
History between the royal estate and the Cortes
Almeirim was founded in 1411 by Dom João I in connection with the establishment of the royal Coutada Real de Almeirim; its boundaries were defined in 1424. The two dates mark different steps: the founding associated with the establishment of the Coutada was followed by the definition of its boundaries. The Portuguese Cortes also convened twice in Almeirim. Dom João III called them to swear allegiance to Prince Dom João; later, Cardinal Dom Henrique convened them over the succession to the throne. Both the town’s founding history and two specific convocations of the Cortes are therefore part of its historical profile.
Church art and religious tradition
The Igreja Matriz de S. João Baptista has a single nave, a plain façade with Baroque features, and a bell tower. The Ermida do Calvário also has a single nave; its wall and ceiling paintings depict the Passion of Christ. The two churches have distinct features: the façade and bell tower define the architecture of the Igreja Matriz, while the depictions of the Passion stand out in the Ermida.
Religious tradition is also connected with specific occasions. During the procession of Senhor Jesus dos Passos, the Encontro ceremony takes place at the Ermida do Calvário. São João Baptista is celebrated in Almeirim every year on 24 June with a pilgrimage. Thus, a ceremony held as part of a procession and an annual pilgrimage date go hand in hand.
The Museu Municipal de Almeirim is housed in the Centro Coordenador de Transportes building. Its mission is to preserve and interpret the municipality’s movable cultural heritage.
Wine between the municipality and the region
The approximately 150-kilometre-long Tejo Wine Route 118 crosses the Vinhos do Tejo wine region on the left bank of the Tagus and passes through seven municipalities, including Almeirim. In Almeirim itself, Quinta da Alorna has 220 hectares of vineyards in the Tejo wine region. This brings together the perspective of a regional route and a wine producer located within the municipality.
A guided tour of Quinta da Alorna includes Vinha do Bosque, the winery and barrel room, a wine tasting on the palace balcony, and a visit to the wine shop. The programme may change; check the current details before planning your visit.
Leisure and getting there
In Fazendas de Almeirim, the Barragem dos Gagos reservoir offers a green spot for fishing and relaxation. It has parking, barbecue areas and fishing spots. The Kartódromo de Almeirim offers a different focus: its 920-metre track is homologated by the Federação de Automobilismo e Karting (FPAK) as Grade II. The two destinations cater to different interests—relaxation and fishing at the reservoir, or karting on a homologated track.
Almeirim is accessible via the EN 114 and EN 118 roads and the IC 10. The Salgueiro Maia Bridge and the A13 connect the town to the A1 and A2 motorway corridors. Check road conditions and traffic before setting out.
Discover more destinations: Almeirim, Santarém, Sardoal, Ourém, Golegã, Ferreira Do Zêzere, Mação, Mação.
For the broader travel overview: Santarem.
