Setubal

Setubal is a city and a municipality in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 121,185 in an area of 230.33 km2 (88.9 sq mi) km². The city proper had 89,303 inhabitants in 2001.

n the times of Al-Andalus the city was known as Shetubar. In the 19th century, the port was called St. Ubes in English and St Yves in French.

The municipal holiday is September 15, which marks the date in the year 1860 on which King Pedro V of Portugal officially recognised Setubal as a city. The city of Setubal is located on the northern bank of the Sado River estuary, approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) south of Portugal’s capital, Lisbon. It is also the seat of the Setubal District.

In the beginning of the 20th century, Setubal was the most important center of Portugal’s fishing industry, particularly sardines. None of the many factories then created are operating today. However, the existing maritime ports, either traditional, commercial and the new marines, keep the city links to the ocean and water well alive and vibrant. Tourism, based on the beautiful existing natural conditions plus excellent hotels, resorts and infrastructures, is one of the city’s most appreciated resources, due to its interconnection location with Sado (river) on one side and Atlantic Ocean on another, having a coast line with both. Also connected with the nearby coast of the Arrábida hills natural park – which offers an unspoiled nature and beautiful beaches to the Atlantic Ocean. A dolphin colony inhabits the Sado River. Across the river on the south bank lies the peninsula of Troia, a place with vast white/golden sand beaches where several luxury hotels and resorts were recently built. The Troia peninsula can be sighted from the city, across the river. Albarquel, Figueirinha, Galápos, Galapinhos and Portinho da Arrábida are some of the city’s many beaches, located in the north bank of the estuary, at the very beginning of the Arrábida hills.

The main historical monument of the city of Setubal is the Monastery of Jesus, with a 15th- and 16th-centuries church that represents one of the first buildings in the Portuguese late Gothic style known as Manueline.

Also of interest are the Sao Juliao Church, also with Manueline portals. The Castelo de Sao Filipe, is a 16th- and 17th-centuries fortress on the north bank of the Sado river, overseeing the city. The fortress was converted into a luxury hotel (pousada).

Information courtesy wikipedia.org/wiki/setubal