Torrão

Torrão is a lovely small village nearby Alcácer do Sal, characterized by its charming white houses with big curious chimneys, situated in a region blessed by nature.

This is a region of very ancient human occupancy, since pre-historical times, as it is visible in the Torrão Anta or in the Chalcolithic hill fort Monte da Tumba. There are also Roman occupancy archaeological vestiges in the area, as well as Moorish. In fact, the territory was conquered by Christians back in 1217 from the Moors, and was donated to the Order of Santiago.
In Torrão was born the great Renaissance Portuguese Writer Bernardim Ribeiro.

Torrão is proud of its interesting heritage, with monuments such as the beautiful Mother Church with a great Manueline Portal and the curious fig tree that bloomed in the roof; the Churches of Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso, of Carmo and of Misericórdia (15th century); the Chapel of São João da Ponte (16th century); the Church and Convent of São Francisco (16th century); the Church and Convent of Nossa Senhora da Graça (16th century); the Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso Chapel; the beautiful Viscondes do Torrão Palace recently restored; the Roman Bridge that probably dates from the 5th century; or even the many Fountains that are present throughout the region, such as the Santa, the Ponte, the Poço de Cima or the Partina Fountains.

Torrão is also famous for the production if the much appreciated sheep cheese and the sweet “queijada” (a sort of cheesecake made with flour, milk, eggs, cheese and sugar) that owe their quality to the fertile pasture soils that also enriches the landscape.

Nearby is situated the beautiful Vale de Gaio Dam, providing great conditions for the practice of the most diverse leisure, sport and tourism activities.