Even today, guests enjoy in its interior an atmosphere still preserved from the seventeenth century. Through the arches of the cloister one enters into the galleries, before a place of passage but now a recreation area with every comfort. On stairs gracefully framed under vaulted arches the visitor passes the lavabo before entering the refectory, as in other times.
This Pousada opened in 1979 and maintains the tradition of a Historical Pousada.
The History of Palmela
Palmela seems to be a diminutive of palma, a word of Latin origins that can mean palm leaf or victory.
The presence of man in this region, which is today the county of Palmela, dates back to the upper Neolithic, where its presence is well noted, above all during the campaniform culture, the evidence of which is given in what is still today known worldwide as Vaso de Palmela, the vase of Palmela.
Occupied by Celtics, Romans and Arabs, all of whom found in this territory a strategic place to settle.
Little or nothing is known of the origin of Palmela before the conquest of Lisbon by D. Afonso Henriques, when the Muslims surrendered and gave back this region to the Christian troops.
The hallmark of this city is its castle. Built in a privileged position, dominating vast horizons, it is the key to the territory between the Sado basin and the Tagus; it’s one of the points of the defense triangle of Lisbon on the south side. It is one of the best pieces of architecture and a stronghold that shows a magnificent view.
Successively rebuilt by D. Afonso Henriques, D. Sancho I and D. Afonso II and enlarged by D. João I in the seventeenth century, it is the time of D. Pedro XI that it went under important work.
The possession of this strong castle, due to the point where it is based, became militarily of great importance, and therefore served as a watchtower.
There are various types of architecture found in Palmela. Its Archaeological Heritage which includes the Castro de Chibanes, the Military Architecture, the Religious Architecture with churches dating back to the twelfth century, and also its Civil Architecture that have buildings of the sixteenth century such as the City Hall.