A journalist by profession, but with Vila Franca in his soul. A popular newscaster on Portuguese TV-channel TVI, he has a declared passion for the town that saw him growing up. He enjoys life on a day-by-day basis, as his 53 years of life have taught him to do, close to his family, his greatest life achievement. He aims for that bliss near those that he cherishes, albeit, by always staying very connected to journalism, preferably from his favorite location, the place where he chose to live.
How do you present the Municipality to those that don’t know about it? Imagine the best of two worlds? Urban and rural. It’s right here! Set between the hills and the Lezíria flood plain, with the Tejo river ‘at your feet’. It’s a municipality with a strong character, proud of its history and of its people, open to both those that decide to stay, or are just going by! It’s not better, nor worst, it’s different, which rhymes with… magnificent!
Complete the following sentences:
Only in VILA FRANCA DE XIRA will I find… my roots, balance, wellbeing. It’s my safety harbor!
A perfect day in VILA FRANCA DE XIRA includes… Witness the sunrise by the shore of the Tejo and let your five feelings wander through the centenary town. Head to the Municipal Market, an artistic reference in the region for its architectural uniqueness and the more than 15 thousand azulejo tiles that adorn its walls; penetrate in its interior and let yourself be ‘taken‘ by the colors and the aromas that emanate from the many stalls of traditional local products. After that, adventure through the town’s streets and alleys, admire the facades and sidewalks, the shop windows and outdoor cafes; visit the multiple museum spaces connected to the local history (Neo-Realism Museum, Municipal Museum and the several extensions located around town). Tired? Then, it’s time to ‘recharge batteries’ with one of the several local gastronomic proposals (meat or fish, the choice is difficult!). Just the direct contact with the people of Vila Franca is a sure way for a ‘perfect day’. Would you like to know why? Try out!
We cannot leave Vila Franca De Xira without… climbing to the Monte Gordo panoramic viewpoint and let yourself get ‘empowered’ by the energy of the scenery, while acknowledging that there is so much more to visit, that….you have to come back.
Your best of Vila Franca De Xira:
Places that we cannot miss visiting and the reason why:
– a monument: Monument to the Campino (bull handler). An imponent bronze sculpture, positioned right downtown, that exerts upon the passerby the remembrance of the wild rural world, at its true roughest stance. It’s the perfect representation and homage to one of the most traditional personages in this region (the Campino) and one of the main local traditions (Bullfighting).
– a museum / cultural space: the Municipal Museum. The place where the municipality’s memories, as well as those of its people and history, are stored and displayed. The building – an old eighteen-century palatial house, set in an area rich in old relics and testimonies of ancient times – calls for a visit by itself.
– a garden: Constantino Palha Garden. Set by the river, and sharing a 1,300 feet-long frontage with the Tejo and the Lezíria flood plain. A noble and charismatic space, dominated by the bandstand and its imposing grove (of platanus, ash and mulberries trees), all contributing to the site’s peacefulness.
– a panoramic view: from the site of Our Lord Jesus of the Good Death Hermitage, where the local millenary history mingles with the never-ending scenery of the Lezíria flood plain.
The best leisure / outdoor activities in Vila Franca de Xira:
The best hotels: Lezíria’s Hotel
The best restaurants:
– For author’s cuisine: 150 gramas
– For Portuguese cuisine: Refúgio d´El Rei
– For fish and seafood: Marisqueira
– For appetizers: Bodega 150 and Flor do Tejo
– For a “good deal” meal: Canoa
– For late night dining: Aveiramariscos
– To enjoy the view: Voltas ao Cais
The best coffee houses: Tradicional Receita and Geladaria Bianco
The best disco’s and bar: Café Puro and Maioral
The best stores for shopping: a difficult choice, given the large variety available.
