Vendas Novas: Royal History and Regional Cuisine

Vendas Novas combines royal history, regional cuisine and the landscape of the Alentejo to create a destination with many different facets. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Vendas Novas can shape their stay around culture, food or active pursuits: palaces and historic sites follow in the footsteps of Portuguese monarchs, while local specialities and wine experiences provide other highlights.

Royal Traces and Remarkable Buildings

The Palácio das Passagens was built in 1728 on the orders of King João V. For two nights, it accommodated the royal travelling party on its way to Caia for the exchange of the princesses. The Capela Real do Palácio das Passagens is particularly noteworthy. It features continuous, approximately 1.80-metre-high blue-and-white azulejo cladding with figurative panels. With one exception, these are dated to around 1750: one panel depicts Saint Barbara and dates from 1972. The chapel's design is probably attributed to the architect Custódio Vieira.

The Palácio do Vidigal also tells part of the town's history. It was planned in 1896 on the orders of King Carlos I as a hunting pavilion. Its complex includes a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Conceição and an arena where various bullfights took place. The Chafariz Real was also built in 1728 as a watering place for the workers and animals involved in constructing the royal palace. Today, it stands behind the municipal market in a pedestrian area.

For culture-focused days, the Museu da Escola Prática de Artilharia offers another highlight. It traces the development of artillery from the late 19th century onwards and includes an outdoor area as well as an indoor area with eight halls. The Fórum Cultural „A Praça“ complements this selection with a space for producing artistic objects and rooms for concerts, conferences, exhibitions and the performing arts. It offers up to 300 seats.

The Flavours of the Town

Cuisine makes Vendas Novas especially tangible. Bifana de Vendas Novas consists of a flattened pork loin steak fried in a refined butter sauce and served in a more or less toasted bread roll. Granadas are a sweet speciality that forms part of the local character. This traditional sweet was created in 1972 on the initiative of Mr Marques and is inspired by the town's military tradition.

Further culinary destinations add to the picture. Queijaria das Romãs produces traditionally made fresh sheep's cheese. Empada Rainha opened in 2019 and offers empadas filled with chicken or farinheira sausage. At Herdade da Ajuda Nova, you can visit the winery and take part in wine tastings. The estate also offers off-road excursions around the grounds. This allows you to choose your accommodation according to your preferred rhythm of culture, regional food and rural experiences.

Green Spaces, Trails and Events

The Jardim Público de Vendas Novas covers four hectares. It preserves orchards, cork oaks, holm oaks, palm trees, fountains, pools and irrigation channels from former agricultural holdings. The Caminho Central initially passes through a pine-lined landscape and later through cork-oak montado. Those wishing to include some exercise in their travel plans can also use a shared network of eight bicycles and four electric bicycles provided by Princesinhas for journeys around Vendas Novas.

The events calendar includes the Feira de Maio in May, the Noites de Verão from Friday to Sunday in July and August, the Festas do Concelho on 7 September, the Feira de Setembro and a monthly market on the third Sunday of every month. Vendas Novas railway station opened on 1 February 1861, making the town one of the first places in Portugal to have a railway connection. These different highlights can be decisive when searching for a holiday apartment: choose Vendas Novas as your base if you want to combine historical discoveries, Portuguese cuisine, a cultural programme and excursions into the countryside.

Other Places in the Surrounding Area

In Landeira, around 20 kilometres from Vendas Novas, stands the municipality's oldest building, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Nazaré. The church dates from the 15th century. For further options when choosing a location, you can also visit Vendas Novas and Silveiras and tailor your accommodation search to your preferred experiences.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Sabugueiro, Mora, Mourão, Arraiolos.

To the overview of the wider destination: Evora.