Description Golegã

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Golegã is located in a region of fertile soil, irrigated by the two rivers that limit it, the Tagus River and the affluent Almonda River. The fact determined the choice for the establishment of the settlement and benefited from the beginning its economic development, based on agriculture.

After the Christian reconquest of the territory by King D. Afonso Henriques, in the 19th century. XII, this region was given to the Order of the Knights of the Temple for cultivation. The memory of those times remains in the history of Quinta da Cardiga, currently an important center of local agricultural production. Still in the century. XII, due to the fact that it was on the road that connected Tomar to Santarém, an inn was built here, at the will of a woman from Galicia. The place then became known as Venda da Galega. The company's success and the regional agricultural characteristics were the stimulus for the further commercial and agricultural development and for the settlement of the population. It was the Galician denomination that would originate the word Golegã.

Before D. João III was elevated to town in 1534, his real predecessor, D. Manuel I, also invested in the locality, signaling the fact with work done in the Igreja Matriz.

The connection to agricultural activity encouraged the holding of fairs and markets. During the century. XVIII, the festivals in honor of São Martinho, on November 11, were preferred by horse breeders to proudly show the animals of breed in horse competitions and competitions. The event, which gradually gained importance, is the antecedent of the current National Horse Fair, of great national relevance in the equestrian specialty.

When visiting the locality, take the opportunity to take a stroll through the romantic garden that surrounds the old studio of Carlos Relvas, a well-known photographer of the 19th century. XIX, or to see the Martins Correia Museum, a contemporary sculptor. Two Golegã natives who somehow contributed to the recognition of the city today.

Near Golegã, you can also visit the Paul do Boquilobo Nature Reserve, at the confluence of the Tagus and Almonda rivers.