Alcácer do Sal
A cradle of History
Alcácer do Sal is a city with a lot of History, where archeological traces date the human presence to more than 40000 years ago.
Aligned on the right bank of the Sado River, this area has always attracted many people and exploration of natural resources. And its name is the very definition of all that the area represents, having formerly been called Urbs Imperatoria Salacia in honor of the sea god Neptune’s wife, the nymph Salacia, because of its significance in the Iberian salt trade.
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Historical city through and through
Historically, its privileged location right by the Sado River and close to forests, always made it a sought after place for people to invest in natural exploration (fishing, hunting) and trade. Besides that, it was a safe port for merchants and armies to replenish supplies. So, it is fair to say that the city always was of extreme militar and comercial importance.
Nowadays, the city is built on and around its historical infrastructures. For example, one of the most important monuments to visit is a museum excavated in the subterranean part of the city castle. There are also several other monuments with historical architectural traces of religious and military nature, dating back centuries.
Archaeological Crypt of Alcácer Castle
This is the archaeological museum located in the castle’s underground. It is said that 27 centuries of historical facts and objects cross each other on the museum. The museum was excavated in the fortress underground, the old Aracaelli Convent. Today, it also houses D. Afonso II Inn. It’s popular amongst tourists because it provides a true journey back in time.
Senhor dos Mártires Sanctuary
This is one of the oldest Christian sanctuaries in the country. Seen as an archaeological site, associated with the occurrence of miracles and seen pantheon of the the Order of Santiago during the Middle Ages. It has tremendous architectural value for its specific traits, such as the central body of the church, extended by a vaulted chancel and a square porch.
PEDRO NUNES MUNICIPAL MUSEUM
One of the oldest in the country, it was founded in 1894, due to the merger of archaeological spoils owned by the city with generous donations, throughout the years. Known at first as Municipal Museum of Alcácer do Sal, it was afterwards changed to its current name, in honour of well Pedro Nunes, famous Portuguese mathematician born in the city.
The museum is dedicated to the origins of Alcácer do Sal, showing pieces of ancient cultures that were once there, such as the Greeks and the Phoenicians. It shows the strong comercial potential of the city throughout history, since being close to Sado river, the main commercial route, made Salacia a great trading post with local production of wool, cereals, salt, fish and amphorae.
An ecosystem of diversity
Through out centuries, Alcácer do Sal was wildly explored for its unique ecosystem. Now, the country has changed but there are certain things that you can count on when coming to Alcácer.
Mediterranean climate, 365 days per year, is the first. It is said that alcácer do Sal has a Mediterranean climate, where the summers are hot and dry, while the winters are mild and wet. But, there is more…
Alcácer do Sal is covered by the Natural Reserve of the Sado Estuary. This is a protected area of great biological diversity: 23,160 hectares of land, wetlands and freshwater courses. The huge diversity of fauna and flora consists of the wide saltwater vegetation, the sheltered species (pink flamingos, herons, black-winged stilts, spoonbills, kingfishers, the European otter, the mongoose, the fox, the fallow deer, the badger and the bottlenose dolphin).
Besides the reserve, the landscape in the area is know for the abundance of rice fields. The abundance of water also enabled the construction of dams and reservoirs such as Pego do Altar and Vale do Gaio, which help store high quantities of water.
In close proximity, there is Carrasqueira Palafítico Pier, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the county. With a simple yet popular architecture, it dates the 50’s and 60’s. It’s a unique spot in Europe, where the pier is built on irregular wooden pilings that serve as dock for fishing boats.
Get ready for the countryside
The landscape and abundance of water in Alcácer do Sal, through a multitude of rivers and streams, enables a great offer of leisure activities and sports (nautical activities such as sailing, canoeing and windsurfing; adventure walks, fishing and hunting).
Though a quiet town in Portugal’s countryside, Alcácer do Sal promises you a variety of entertainment and great properties to settle down in. To enjoy the most of the city and the surrounding nature, the most sought after properties are the one with unobstructed panoramic views over rio Sado.
A good investment to make is a townhouse with views over the plains, farm fields and the river. Take this townhouse which has a beautiful roof terrace with a pool, where you can spend some time sunbathing, hosting friends, or even, just enjoying a breath of fresh air in profound peace and quiet.
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