Discover Golegã: Horse Culture, Nature and Museums

Those who choose Golegã as a travel destination encounter an unusual combination of horse culture, wetlands, varied trails and museums. The town is particularly interesting for travellers who do not want to fill their holiday days with just one attraction, but instead want to alternate between observing nature, history and regional traditions. A holiday apartment in Golegã can be a suitable base for this if you want to combine different experiences.

Horse Culture and the Feira de São Martinho

The Feira de São Martinho is organised by the Associação Feira Nacional do Cavalo and held every year according to regulations and an official programme. The Largo do Arneiro, also known as Largo Marquês de Pombal, forms the emblematic centre; the Picadeiro Central and the riding arena surrounding it are the main event area. The Feira Nacional do Cavalo dates back to celebrations of São Martinho in the 18th century. At that time, horse breeders presented purebred animals in riding competitions and other equestrian contests.

Even outside these traditions, horses remain a prominent theme. Hippos Golegã is Portugal’s first high-performance equestrian sports centre. It was designed to accommodate individual riders as well as national and international teams and national squads in preparation for high-level competitions, including European and World Championships as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In Golegã, riding lessons, horseback rides and trips on horseback or in a horse-drawn carriage are also becoming increasingly popular.

Wetlands and Trails for Active Days

The Reserva Natural do Paul do Boquilobo nature reserve is located near Golegã. The protected area is an alluvial plain with marshes and wetlands. Its livelihood depends on the flow volumes of the surrounding Tagus and Almonda rivers. Since 1981, the Reserva Natural do Paul do Boquilobo has been recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Guided visits make it possible to observe nature and biodiversity; the area also offers opportunities for observing migratory birds.

There are various ways to travel to the Reserva da Biosfera do Paul do Boquilobo. The main access route leads from the A1 motorway via the Torres Novas exit towards Golegã, through Campo da Golegã and Azinhaga. By the Northern Line railway, the area can be reached via the Mato Miranda or Riachos stops, or via Entroncamento railway station. In the municipality of Golegã, the on-demand taxi service USO supplements regular public transport.

The trails also offer different ways to travel. The Caminho Central Português passes through Pombalinho and Azinhaga and ends in Golegã. The Rota do Cavalo e do Ribatejo can be completed on foot, by bicycle, by car or on horseback. It consists of five themed circular routes with different levels of difficulty and distances. Depending on your plans for the day, you can therefore choose between an active tour, a drive through the countryside or a horseback ride without committing to just one mode of transport.

Museums, Architecture and Regional Memories

Golegã’s cultural heritage includes the Igreja Matriz da Golegã, which was built in the 14th century according to the Gothic design of mendicant-order churches, with three graduated naves. In front of the parish church stands the Pelourinho da Golegã, dating from the 16th century. The Casa-Estúdio Carlos Relvas was built between 1871 and 1875 specifically as an early, pioneering photography studio. It preserves around 12,000 photographic glass plates as well as several thousand positive prints, large-format cameras, photographic equipment and furniture from that period. Visits take place exclusively with a guide and in one-hour time slots; they include an audiovisual presentation about the life and work of Carlos Relvas (1838–1894).

At the Museu Municipal da Máquina de Escrever, you can see more than 400 typewriters, including examples from around the world. The museum also preserves documents and accessories relating to the maintenance and use of the machines, such as postcards, user manuals, advertising posters, invoices, consumer brochures and various materials including ribbons, spools, brushes, carbon paper, inks, cleaning oils and erasers. The museum is accessible to visitors with reduced mobility.

Further insights are provided by the Museu Manuel dos Santos, with trophies and personal mementoes belonging to the Portuguese bullfighter, as well as a biographical panel with photographs and explanations. The Núcleo Museológico do Centro Português de Geo-História e Pré-História presents the biological as well as the physical and technological development of humans during prehistory. The Museu Rural collects agricultural equipment, rural and household items, as well as clothing. It also serves as a venue for singing and dancing performances recreating historical scenes.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Travel Plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Golegã, you can begin by considering your preferred daily routines. Those who want to combine nature and birdwatching can include the Reserva Natural do Paul do Boquilobo in their plans. For culturally focused days, the church, historic places of remembrance and museums are good options. Families wishing to accommodate different interests can alternate between active trails, horse culture and museum visits. The regional atmosphere also includes the visitor programme at Quinta da Cholda: When weather conditions are suitable, it may include lunch in the garden with savoury snacks, cheese, cold meats, wine, homemade lemon or orange drinks, coffee, tea and regional sweets.

If you would then like to follow the local information in your own overview, you can access Golegã.

For the higher-level travel overview: Santarem.

More Destinations

More places in the same destination:

Entroncamento, Coruche, Tomar, Santarém, Foros De Salvaterra, Chamusca, Mação.