Photos courtesy of Pousada de Setúbal
In 1590 Philip II of Spain commanded the Italian architect, Terzo, to design this castle on the site of an ancient fortress. The Spanish king’s concern was to guard his maritime frontier from pirates and to keep an eye on the rebellious inhabitants of Setúbal. He also suspected the British of setting up a military installation on the Troia Peninsula. In 1766 the castle became a prison.
Pamela’s Perspective
If you’re on the way to the Algarve, Setúbal is worth a day’s stopover. It’s an active city where you can observe facets of Portuguese life. Harbor scenes are vibrant with noisy fish auctions, boats unloading their catches, and fishermen mending nets.
Parking at the castle is outside the castle walls. Do not leave anything in your car.
Pousada de Setúbal
(São Filipe)
A 16th-century castle
Contact
Nossa Sra da Anunciada
2900-300 Setúbal
Tel: ++351 265 550 070
Fax: ++351 265 539 240
Official pousada website
Reserve with Booking.com
Fast facts
16 rooms, including 1 suite
Rack rates:
Double rooms: 180–300 euros
Suites: 243–338 euros
Rates include breakfast, tax,
and service.
Packages and discounts
available.
Open: all year
Getting there
Setúbal is 1 hour south of Lisbon on A-2. Bus service from Lisbon is every half hour. The castle is visible to the west of town. Follow signposts up the hill.
What to do
Nearby: water sports; golf; hot-air ballooning; fishing; 4-wheel driving; excursions to Troia Peninsula
This star-shaped fortress features several corner sentry towers and massive battlements. It commands stunning views of the harbor and town of Setúbal.
After winding up the steep hill and passing through a stone archway, look for an underground passageway, with floor stones worn smooth from centuries of footsteps, to lead you to the reception area. On the way you pass a charming little 1736 chapel that is completely lined with blue and white azulejos. The pousada operates in a stone manor built into the castle (it once housed the governor and his soldiers).
From the reception area, more steps lead up to the guest rooms. Although they vary in size, all have whitewashed walls, red tile floors, tile baths, and carved wood furnishings. The best rooms have a superb view of the city and harbor.
The second-floor dining room features whitewashed walls and a wood ceiling and also has a great view. In good weather you can dine outside on a sunny terrace. The cozy bar retains a medieval ambiance, with copper lanterns hanging from a vaulted ceiling and tile work brightening the walls.
This castle has lots of nooks and crannies to explore. From atop the ramparts you can see windmills on the hillsides. On the lower levels you can see the large former barrack rooms, cisterns, and casemates. Tunnels and underground prison cells now serve as storage areas.
Something special
Outstanding views