Description Ourém

Ourém, renamed from Vila Nova de Ourém, is a Portuguese city belonging to the district of Santarém, province of Beira Litoral, in the Centro region and sub-region of the Middle Tejo, in Portugal, with about 12,994 inhabitants. The city of Ourém contains two parishes within its urban area. Ourém is a prosperous city, both ancient (it has a castle) and modern, with long avenues. The city of Ourém is the seat of the judicial district (with a court).

It is the seat of a municipality with 416.68 km² of area and 45 932 inhabitants (2011 Census), subdivided into 13 parishes. The municipality is limited to the north by the municipality of Pombal, to the northeast by Alvaiázere, to the east by Ferreira do Zêzere and Tomar, to the southeast by Torres Novas (and Serra de Aire), to the southwest by Alcanena and to the west by Batalha and Leiria .

Located in a privileged location for settlement, Ourém was founded under the name of Abdegas. The current name dates back to the period of Arab rule, from the 19th century. IX, and the legend of Moura Oureana, converted to Christianity.

In 1136, the town was conquered from the Moors by D. Afonso Henriques, first King of Portugal, who donated it to his daughter, D. Teresa, who in turn ordered the construction of the Castle in 1178 and granted him charter in 1180 .

The century. XV was the most striking historical period, when the 4th Count of Ourém, D. Afonso, grandson of D. João I and D. Nuno Álvares Pereira was installed here. The reinforcement of the walls that delimit today the old medieval nucleus, the Paço, the Collegiate Church, remodeled in the century. XVIII, and Pelourinho.

About 2 km away, in the valley, is the new town of Ourém, established after the 1755 earthquake, currently the main residential and commercial center. On your visit, be sure to try the local cuisine, which includes dishes made with lamb, kid or rabbit and, for dessert, the Arco de Ourém Cakes. Accompany the meal with regional wines. The vineyard is one of the oldest cultures, dating back to times before the foundation of the village.

Nearby, visit Fátima, the important Mariano sanctuary, and get to know Serra de Aires and dos Candeeiros, which limits the county to the south.