Almada reveals itself through its many facets: historic architecture, contemporary art, archaeological history and sweeping views across the Tagus. Use these themes to guide your stay: would you like to focus primarily on art and architectural history, visit an archaeological site or take in the view from Cristo Rei? An urban park and the municipality’s coastal tradition are also part of the region’s character.
Art and architectural history
In the historic centre of Almada, the Casa da Cerca contemporary art centre is housed in the former Palácio da Cerca. The civil building dates from the 16th century and is classified as a Property of Public Interest. Its U-shaped layout encompasses a central courtyard, and the chapel is decorated with tiles from the early 18th century. Casa da Cerca thus brings architectural history and contemporary art together, while giving each its own distinct place.
Casa da Cerca’s main activity is holding contemporary art exhibitions, with a particular focus on drawing. The Museu de Almada – Casa da Cidade offers a different way to explore the city: it is the main site of the Museu de Almada and includes a permanent exhibition about the municipality as well as temporary exhibitions. Keeping the two venues distinct reveals their different emphases: contemporary art and drawing at one, and an exhibition about the municipality alongside changing displays at the other.
Archaeology with access by appointment
The Quinta do Almaraz archaeological site lies on a platform overlooking the Tagus, within the city of Almada. It is a settlement dating from the 1st millennium BC, established in connection with the westward spread of Phoenician populations. Classified as a SĂtio de Interesse PĂşblico, it is considered one of the region’s most important archaeological sites. Its location, date and historical context give it a distinctive place in Almada’s cultural history.
Public access is available only by prior appointment or as part of educational and outreach programmes. These include guided archaeological interpretation walks. Quinta do Almaraz is therefore a destination for which you should arrange access in advance or plan a visit as part of an appropriate programme; walk-in visits are not listed as an access option.
Views and urban nature
Cristo Rei combines a landmark monument with expansive views. The monument was inaugurated on 17 May 1959. It stands 113 metres above sea level and is 110 metres tall. From the viewpoint, you can see Lisbon and the northern bank of the Tagus, from the river mouth to the Mar da Palha, as well as Almada and the Serra da Arrábida. The vista therefore spans a broad geographic area, while the monument’s dimensions and inauguration date also place it in historical context.
Parque da Paz adds a natural dimension to this perspective, right in the urban environment. Visitors can explore a variety of natural and human-shaped habitats along its winding paths. More than 1,000 species of living organisms have already been recorded in the park. It is also home to the first biodiversity station established in an urban setting at national level. For nature enthusiasts, both the number of recorded species and the station’s distinctive urban context are noteworthy.
Coastal tradition in the municipality
The beaches in the municipality of Almada are also part of a wider cultural heritage: they are closely associated with Arte Xávega, a traditional fishing technique. It is regarded as a defining part of the Costa da Caparica’s identity. This broadens the picture beyond the city of Almada to include the municipality’s coastal traditions. Art, archaeology, views, urban biodiversity and fishing heritage offer different points of focus when choosing a stay in Almada.
Discover more destinations: Tróia, Sesimbra, Comporta, Portinho Da Arrábida, Fernão Ferro, Costa da Caparica, Abela, Palhais.
Return to the main travel overview: Setubal.
