The castle and the gardens
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Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa

4.5
·310 reviews·São Simão, Portugal

Discover a historic Renaissance palace, art-filled gardens, and award-winning wines in Azeitão, Portugal.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
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The castle and the gardens

Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more serene

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a historic Renaissance palace, art-filled gardens, and award-winning wines in Azeitão, Portugal.

4.5
(310 reviews)

"Awesome place to be visited. All the tours are guided and educational but upbeat."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Tickets in Advance

Reservations are mandatory! Buy tickets at the Wine Shop 10 mins before your tour. :ticket:

Allow Ample Time

Tours can involve travel between locations. Don't rush your visit! :clock3:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Renaissance Palace

Renaissance Palace

Palácio da Bacalhôa

Explore a stunning 15th-century palace showcasing Renaissance and Manueline architecture, rich in history and art.

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Art & Gardens

Art & Gardens

Quinta da Bacalhôa

Wander through beautiful gardens adorned with sculptures, historical tiles, and a serene lake.

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Wine Tasting Experience

Wine Tasting Experience

Bacalhôa Winery

Learn about winemaking and savor award-winning wines, often accompanied by classical music.

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Historical Significance

Historical Significance

Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa

Discover a property with roots tracing back to the 14th century and a significant role in Portuguese history.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead & Arrive Early

Reservations are mandatory for tours at Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa. Ensure you arrive at the Wine Shop 10 minutes before your scheduled time to collect tickets, as late arrivals may not be accommodated. Reddit

Understand Tour Logistics

Tours are guided and available in Portuguese and English. Be aware that ticket purchase and tour commencement may involve travel between different locations, so factor in extra time. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more serene
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Good for learning history
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

RESTAURANTE MEU REINO ENCANTADO, SAO SIMÃO SP
@guiagarfodeouro
60.2K likes • 2.4M views

Book Tickets in Advance

Reservations are mandatory! Buy tickets at the Wine Shop 10 mins before your tour. Reddit :ticket:

Allow Ample Time

Tours can involve travel between locations. Don't rush your visit! Reddit :clock3:

OLHA SÓ ESSE ANTES E DEPOIS! Tem coisa melhor do que uma casinha quentinha no inverno e fresca no verão? Pois é. Estamos usando tecnologias inovadoras pra entregar moradias melhores e mais rápido para as pessoas. Essa aí fica no assentamento Mario Covas, lá em São Simão. Um lar digno para melhorar e muito a vida das famílias que lá vivem, e mais uma entrega do novo Casa Paulista, o maior programa ...
@tarcisiogdf
31.8K likes • 277.1K views
‼️ Detentora de uma história que remonta ao século XIV e de arquitetura renascentista, já foi palco de ensaios fotográficos de revistas famosas como a Vogue Paris ou a Look Magazine. Deixe-se encantar pelo Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa, paragem obrigatória no nosso tour privado da Arrábida! ⛰🍇✨ #bacalhoa #bacalhôa #palacio #enoturismo #winetourism #historia #art #arte #restarttourism #arrabida #...
wellcam_unlimited_experiences
34 likes • 662 views

Guided Tours are Key

Experience the full story with knowledgeable guides. Available in Portuguese & English. Reddit :walking:

Combine Palace & Winery

Opt for the combined ticket for a comprehensive experience of art, history, and wine. Reddit :wine_glass:

🍷 Vinícolas perto de Lisboa? Temos duas dicas de ouro: 📍 Quinta da Bacalhôa Palácio, vinhedos no quintal, arte por todos os lados… e degustação com música clássica no final. 📍José Maria Fonseca – Periquita História familiar, móveis de época, o famoso Moscatel e um rótulo com só 5% de álcool. Tudo isso a 40 minutos de Lisboa — e a gente leva você até lá. 📲 Tours privativos com experiência com...
lisboa.espera.por.ti.tours
63 likes • 1.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tickets in Advance

Reservations are mandatory! Buy tickets at the Wine Shop 10 mins before your tour. Reddit :ticket:

Allow Ample Time

Tours can involve travel between locations. Don't rush your visit! Reddit :clock3:

Guided Tours are Key

Experience the full story with knowledgeable guides. Available in Portuguese & English. Reddit :walking:

Combine Palace & Winery

Opt for the combined ticket for a comprehensive experience of art, history, and wine. Reddit :wine_glass:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking through gardens and historical buildings. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(310 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa for its stunning Renaissance architecture, beautiful gardens, and rich history. The guided tours are informative, offering insights into the royal family and winery's past. However, some find the logistics of ticket purchase and tour commencement inconvenient, with a perceived focus on art collections over the palace itself.

"Even if you book a guided tour, because you're expected to get to a different place to buy ticket, then relocate to the palace immediately.
The hosts offer no help or explaination."

Apocalyptic Excavator

"- Exhibition Bacalhôa Palace: duration 90 minutes; €10.00/ per person
- Exhibition Bacalhôa Palace + Bacalhôa Winery Museum: duration 150 minutes; €14.00/ per person

Minimum number of people to do the tour is 2.
For children under 12 years old is free of charge.

Reservation is mandatory!
Presence in our Wine Shop [3 km away] 10 minutes before to issue the tickets.
They do not guarantee the possibility of carrying out the visit to visitors who arrive after the reserved time.

Awesome place to be visited. All the tours are guided. Two languages available: Portuguese and English."

Oleh Shpytko

"Tourist trap! The way this is conducted is focused in showing Berardo´s collection of things. The palace itself is beautiful and that is what should be the highlight. They should also find a way to incorporate the tasting there, so logistics for this tour is horrible. Wouldn´t go again."

Leonardo Marques

What People Like

Beautiful palace and gardens
Informative guided tours
Historical significance

What People Dislike

Inconvenient logistics
Focus on art collection

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa is located in Azeitão, Setúbal. It's about a 40-minute drive from Lisbon. Instagram+1 Many visitors opt for a car or a guided tour for convenient transport. Instagram

Information regarding specific parking availability can be limited, but it's advisable to check with your tour operator or confirm on their official website if driving independently. Instagram

Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from Lisbon, often combined with other attractions in the Setúbal region. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, reservations are mandatory for all tours. You must be present at the Wine Shop 10 minutes before your reserved time to issue tickets. Reddit

Ticket prices vary depending on the tour. The Exhibition Bacalhôa Palace tour is €10.00, and the combined Palace + Winery Museum tour is €14.00. Reddit

Children under 12 years old receive free admission. Reddit

The minimum number of people to conduct a tour is two. Reddit

The venue does not guarantee the possibility of carrying out the visit for those who arrive after the reserved time. It's crucial to be punctual. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore a beautiful 15th-century palace with Renaissance architecture, stunning gardens with art and tiles, and a winery museum. Instagram+2

Yes, all tours are guided and offer insights into the history of the royal family and the winery. Reddit

Tours are available in Portuguese and English. Reddit

Photography policies can vary, but generally, capturing the beauty of the palace and gardens is encouraged. Instagram

While the grounds are extensive, accessibility for individuals with mobility issues might be challenging in certain historical areas. It's best to inquire directly about specific accessibility features. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the primary focus is on wine and history, some visitors mention suggestions for nearby restaurants for lunch after their visit. Instagram

Yes, wine tasting is a key part of the experience, often concluding the tour and offering a chance to sample their award-winning wines. Instagram+2

📸 📸 Photography

The Renaissance palace architecture, the tiled pavilion in the gardens, and the vineyard landscapes offer stunning photographic opportunities. Instagram+2

Regulations regarding drone usage can be strict in historical and private properties. It's advisable to check for specific permissions before flying a drone. Instagram

The picturesque setting makes it a popular spot for photoshoots, including engagement and wedding sessions. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the historical and artistic aspects might appeal more to adults, families can still enjoy the expansive gardens and the novelty of a palace visit. Instagram+1 Children under 12 enter for free, making it a more budget-friendly option for families. Reddit The open spaces in the gardens offer room for children to explore, and the unique architecture can spark their imagination. Consider booking the shorter palace tour if attention spans are a concern. Instagram

🍷 Wine Enthusiasts

For wine lovers, Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa offers a comprehensive experience. You can delve into the history of Portuguese winemaking, explore the winery museum, and, most importantly, participate in a guided wine tasting. Instagram+3 The estate is known for its quality wines, and the tasting sessions are a chance to sample their best offerings and learn about the terroir. Instagram

📸 Photographers & Art Lovers

This destination is a dream for photographers and art aficionados. The Renaissance palace, the azulejo-adorned pavilion, the sculpture-filled gardens, and the vineyard landscapes provide endless visual inspiration. Instagram+2 The estate's history as a backdrop for fashion shoots underscores its aesthetic appeal. Instagram Be sure to capture the intricate details of the architecture and the harmonious blend of art and nature. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History and Art

The Palácio e Quinta da Bacalhôa is steeped in history, with origins dating back to the 14th century. It was once a significant property for the founding family of the Avis Dynasty. Instagram The estate boasts a Renaissance palace built in the 15th century, showcasing a blend of architectural styles. Instagram Beyond its historical architecture, the quinta is renowned for its art collections and the integration of art within its landscape, making it a unique cultural destination. Instagram

The gardens are a highlight, featuring a beautiful lake and a pavilion adorned with historical azulejos (tiles). Instagram Visitors often describe the grounds as picturesque and serene, with sculptures scattered throughout, harmonizing with the ancient olive trees and modern stainless-steel wine vats. Instagram The estate's commitment to art is evident, with mentions of it being a backdrop for famous magazine photoshoots, including Vogue Paris. Instagram

The Wine Experience at Bacalhôa

Bacalhôa is not just a historical estate; it's a prominent Portuguese winery known for its award-winning wines. Instagram+1 The tours often include a visit to the winery museum and a wine tasting session, providing an educational and enjoyable experience. InstagramReddit Visitors learn about the winemaking process and the region's viticulture, with opportunities to sample various wines. Instagram+1

The wine tasting experience is frequently highlighted as a perfect complement to the artistic and historical exploration of the estate. Instagram+1 Some tours even feature classical music during the tasting, enhancing the overall ambiance. Instagram The estate cultivates various grape varietals, contributing to the diverse portfolio of wines produced. Instagram

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