Sesimbra

     Although there might have existed a moorish castle at this location, the present monument was built some years after portuguese first king, Afonso, conquered Sesimbra from the Moors. In medieval times the village of Sesimbra was located inside these walls, but with the advent of more pacific times and the development of the settlement near the sea, the village moved down and the old castle was abandoned.

Cape Espichel Sanctuary
     Cape Espichel is a very old place of pilgrimage. The present christian cult, however, began with a miracle, when Our Lady appeared in 1410, climbing the cliffs on a mule, where you can still see the footprints of the animal, as the legend says. Science has a diferent opinion about the footprints: they are from dinosaurs.
     The growing popularity of this sanctuary justified the building, by the pilgrims, of the houses (hospedarias) that, with the church, define the square protected from the winds. The king himself has financed the church and built here a theatre and a Water House in italian style.

Santiago Church
     Church from the 16th century, in the transition between 'manuelino' (Portuguese gothic) and renaissance styles. It is the main church of Sesimbra. Recently an old lateral door was unveiled under the exterior plaster (see photo).
(see note below about Santiago)

Chapel of the Holy Spirit of Seamen

     The Chapel and hospital of the Holy Spirit of Seamen of Sesimbra was built by the end of 15th century, both dedicated to charity and spiritual assistance to the seamen. In the present it is a museum of religious art.

Fortress of Santiago


     Fortress dating from the 17th century, built under the orientation of jesuit father John Cosmander, of flemish origin.
(see note below about Santiago)

Church of Mercy
     Church of the Holy House of Mercy, built in the begining of 16th century. Inside there is the image of Jesus of Wounds, a wooden statue that appeared on the beach, brought by the sea. Some people propose that it might be one of the images that were thrown to the sea in England, during the protestant Reform.

Church of Holly Mary of the Castle
     The first church inside Sesimbra castle was built in 1165. The present church was rebuilt in 1721. The painting in the altar represents the Coronation of the Virgin. The interior walls are covered with blue tiles of good quality, representing scenes of the life of the Virgin.

Church of Our Lady of Conception, at Alfarim



     Modest temple from the 16th century, built by the population. It is the home of the anual procession of 26 December.

Palace of Calhariz
     Rural palace, in the transition from the maneiristic to the baroque styles. Built beetwen 1670 and 1710. The palace includes a baroque chapel. Traditionaly owned by the Duques of Palmela, that played an important role in the liberal revolution of 1820.

Casal do Desembargador




     Rural building on the Lands of Calhariz.

Palace of Sampaio
     Aristocratic house from the 18th century, built by the 1st Count of Sao Payo, D. António de Lusignan. Includes a chapel and decoration with rocaille tiles. It is the location of the anual festivities of Our Lady of Light, each September. It is also dedicated to rural tourism.

Palace of Perú
     Residence of the 18th century, built by industrialist Antonio Cremer, that in 1725 obtained the royal concession for producing gunpowder for the kingdom, at Lisbon. The original building was destroyed by fire, and the present building dates from the 20th century.

Solar da Quintinha



     Baroque house, located at Cotovia. Includes a private chapel dating from 1738.

Fortress of S. Teodósio


     The fortress of S. Teodósio, also named fortress of the Horse, after the name of the place, was built in 1652. It includes also a lighthouse.

Cape Espichel Lighthouse
     
Cape Espichel lighthouse was built in 1790. In the begining olive oil was used for the ilumination. Later it was used a incandescent oil vapor lamp. At the present it works with electricity.

Quinta da Confeiteira



     

Rural farm, located at Venda Nova.

Chapel of Aiana



     Chapel of St. John the Baptist, at Aiana. It belonged to the rural farm of Aiana de Baixo, property of Viscount of Asseca.

Quinta da Ferraria





     Ruins of a rural farm at Ferraria Rivulet. This window is in gothic style.