Description Vila Nova da Barquinha

Vila Nova da Barquinha (also known for its syncopated form of Barquinha) is a Portuguese village belonging to the district of Santarém, in the province of Ribatejo, Centro region and sub-region of the Middle Tejo.

It is the seat of a small municipality with 49.53 km² in area and 7 322 inhabitants (2011), subdivided into 4 parishes. The municipality is limited to the north by the municipalities of Tomar and Abrantes, to the east by Constância, to the south by Chamusca, to the southwest by Golegã, to the west by Entroncamento and to the northwest by Torres Novas.

Located right by the Tagus River, in an extremely green and fertile area, Vila Nova da Barquinha is a very picturesque location.

In front of you, on an islet in the middle of the river, stands one of the most beautiful Portuguese castles - the castle of Almourol - built by the Templars in 1171, about which there are legends of enchanted Moors and captive princesses saved by walking knights. This castle, which is often the scene of shows that take advantage of its location, using effects of light and color games, can be visited, being the course of the river made by a boat departing from Tancos.

In Vila Nova da Barquinha is located the second oldest bullring in Portugal, which testifies well to the tradition of the wild party, indispensable in the most important events in the municipality, such as the Festas da Vila em Junho, and the Festa do Rio e das Villages on August 15, where the festivities are divided by the two banks of the river, in the villages of Tancos and Arripiados.

In the surroundings, the Igreja Matriz da Atalaia of the century. XVI, whose facade is one of the best examples of Renaissance style in our country, deserves a long visit.

Of the local gastronomy, the river fish dishes stand out, such as the Caldeiradas, the fish soup, the fataça on the tile, the shad açorda or the eel to the fisherwoman.