The Feira de São Martinho and Hippos Golegã offer two perspectives on the region’s equestrian culture. Nearby Paul do Boquilobo adds a different dimension, with wetlands and guided nature experiences. In between, churches, historic collections and museums tell the story of very different chapters in the town’s history.
Equestrian traditions and event venues
The Feira Nacional do Cavalo dates back to the São Martinho celebrations of the 18th century. At the time, horse breeders presented thoroughbreds in riding competitions and other equestrian events. The Feira de São Martinho is organised by the Associação Feira Nacional do Cavalo and held every year according to established regulations and an official programme.
Largo do Arneiro, also known as Largo Marquês de Pombal, is the emblematic centre of the Feira de São Martinho. The Picadeiro Central and the riding arena around it form the main event space. Hippos Golegã offers another perspective on equestrian sport: it is Portugal’s first high-performance equestrian centre, designed for individual riders, national and international teams, and national squads. It is intended to help them prepare for major competitions such as European and World Championships, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Architectural history and unique collections
The Igreja Matriz da Golegã was built in the 14th century in the Gothic style of mendicant churches. Its architecture features three aisles of different heights. In front of the parish church stands the 16th-century Pelourinho da Golegã—a different period in the town’s history, right beside the church.
Casa-Estúdio Carlos Relvas tells an early story of photography. It was purpose-built between 1871 and 1875 as an early, pioneering photographic studio. The collection includes around 12,000 photographic glass plates, several thousand positive prints, large-format cameras, photographic equipment and period furniture. Visits are guided only and take place in one-hour time slots; the tour includes an audiovisual presentation about the life and work of Carlos Relvas (1838–1894). Check the schedule before your visit.
The Museu Municipal da Máquina de Escrever displays more than 400 typewriters, including examples from around the world. It also preserves documents and accessories related to maintaining and using the machines, such as postcards, instruction manuals, advertising posters and invoices, as well as ribbons, spools, brushes, carbon paper, inks and erasers. The museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.
The Museu Manuel dos Santos focuses on trophies and personal mementos from the life of the Portuguese bullfighter. A biographical panel complements the collection with photographs and information about his life as a person and a bullfighter. The Núcleo Museológico do Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré-História covers a very different timescale: it explores human biological, physical and technological development during prehistory. The Museu Rural collects agricultural tools, rural and household objects, and clothing. It also serves as a venue for singing and dancing performances that recreate historical scenes, such as unpicking shirts.
Wetlands and routes
Nearby Reserva Natural do Paul do Boquilobo has been recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve since 1981. It is an alluvial plain of marshes and wetlands, whose existence depends on the flow volumes of the Tejo and Almonda rivers. On guided visits to the heart of the Reserva da Biosfera do Paul do Boquilobo, you can observe nature and biodiversity. The nature reserve also offers opportunities to watch migratory birds. It is best to confirm guided visits in advance.
The routes also differ in form. The Caminho Central Português passes through Pombalinho and Azinhaga and ends in Golegã. The Rota do Cavalo e do Ribatejo consists of five themed circular routes of varying distances and difficulty levels. They can be completed on foot, by bicycle, by car or on horseback. If you are comparing routes, the Caminho has a specifically named route and endpoint, while the Rota is distinguished by its circular format, distance and difficulty level.
Getting there and finding your way
The Reserva da Biosfera do Paul do Boquilobo is accessible by road. Its main access route runs from the A1 motorway via the Torres Novas exit towards Golegã, through Campo da Golegã and Azinhaga. You can reach the area on the Northern Line by getting off at Mato Miranda or Riachos, or at Entroncamento station.
In the municipality of Golegã, USO complements regular public transport: this taxi-based, on-demand service launched on 6 April 2026. Check the latest service information before travelling, as transport arrangements may change.
Discover more destinations: Golegã, Alpiarça Municipality, Constância, Santarém, Mação, São Nicolau, Ferreira Do Zêzere, Chamusca
For the broader travel overview: Santarem.
