FROM THE MANY STORIES WITH HISTORY, TO THE WINE PRODUCING LANDS, THE BULLS AND THE ‘CAMPINOS’ (THE BULL MEN), TO THE CHEESE AND THE BREAD, AZAMBUJA PUTS ITS STAKE ON BALANCING NATURE, MODERNISM AND INNOVATION.
Praça do Município
The eastern most municipality in Lisbon’s council, a bridge between the large urban center and Ribatejo’s flood plains, extends itself over 100 square miles up to the shores of the Tejo, with its 22 thousand souls spreading through seven parishes, or as the locals say, the “High” and the “Low Borough”.
The first testimonies of human occupation in the Municipality, dating back to the third millennium B.C., can be found at Vila Nova de S. Pedro. The existing site is a national monument and attracts the attention of many archeologists and of a growing number of visitants. But ‘Vale do Paraíso’ is the historically known locality in the region, as on that site, in 1493, a secret meeting took place between Christopher Columbus and the Portuguese King João II; the encounter is presently recalled in the ‘Interpretation Center’ installed at the Columbus House. The neighboring Vila Nova da Rainha served as stage for the marriage of the Kingdom’s Paladin, Nuno Álvares Pereira, in the fourteen century – at a wonderful church decorated with Portuguese tiles (azulejos) dedicated to St. Martha. At Aveiras de Baixo, King Dinis gave orders to plant the Royal Pine Forest of Azambuja and the Virtudes National Woods; it was also the location of a relevant religious sanctuary during the Middle Ages, the Church and Monastery of Sta. Mª das Virtudes (Our Lady of Virtues), presently housing the Municipal Center for the Divulgation of Religious Patrimony.
Virtudes National Woods
So many adventures opens up the appetite and makes one thirsty. From the top of the highest Maçussa hill, site of a sixteen century windmill and symbol of the region, the view surely justifies its title as “Land of Bread”. In gastronomic terms, the entire municipality proudly assumes itself as Land of the Torricado, a delicious bread recipe inherited from the past. It can be eaten with anything, but one usually adds grilled codfish, grilled meat or eels, a local delicacy closely associated with the Tejo, a river so relevant for the community; it’s also tasted with Maçussa artisanal goat cheese, a distinctive variety, well held by famous chefs.
As drink goes, the excellent wines locally produced have already garnered innumerous prizes. Aveiras de Cima was awarded the title of “Wine Museum Town”, a live museum that can be visited throughout the year.
Azambuja May Fair
With good food and great drinks, partying cannot be far away. If you come by this Parish during April, you have the ÁVINHO – Wine and Cellars Festival. Then, it’s time for the centenary Azambuja May Fair – the most typical of all Ribatejo’s parties; held on the last weekend of the month and rich in social partying, bullfighting and afición! It’s the annual peak in the celebration of the trilogy Bull/Horse/Campino (Bull Man), the main characters in defining Azambuja’s identity and tradition
