Beach
Enjoy 70km (44 miles) of breathtaking, environmentally protected Portuguese coastline, from Tróia to Sines – all within 45km (28 miles) of the Palace. Also nearby is the beautiful Sado River bird and nature sanctuary, home to a variety of waterfowl and resident dolphins. Tróia has recently been transformed into a luxurious resort, with a Marina, a casino, a golf course on the dunes, as well as top class restaurants and much more. In addition, there are several picturesque, historic Alentejo villages within a 45-minute drive away.
Countryside
Our farm and our family’s farms around it comprise of about 15,000 hectares (37,065 acres). There is a variety of activities to enjoy, from fishing on our private lakes, to birdwatching in hides throughout the estate, as well as multiple routes for trekking. You can also enjoy the impressive landscape, and the rich history of the Phoenician and Roman ruins, all within close vicinity of the Palace.
Ruins and the history behind Palma’s palace
Certainly one of the oldest buildings still standing and in constant use in Portugal, the earliest documentation related to the Palace dates from the 12th century, when it became a post of the Holy Order of Santiago. St. Francis Xavier, while under the protection of the Viceroy of Portuguese India, Dom Pedro de Mascarenhas (c.1470-1555), conducted mass in the then chapel of the Palace (now our main dining-hall) as well as blessing the Moorish fountain that still supplies fresh water to the village of Palma. The Palace was later refurbished around 1875 by my São Romão ancestors. It was another 50 years before it entered its succeeding incarnation, when in 1920 my great grandfather, José Maria Posser de Andrade refurbished it again. In the years preceding this renovation, the last Portuguese king Dom Carlos I was a frequent guest, enjoying shooting and riding throughout our estate.
Palma’s village
Adjacent to the Palace is the village of Palma, one of three built within Palma’s Estate to accommodate its workers. The village has a school, a little theatre, two small restaurants, a roller-hockey rink, a tennis court and a grocery shop. Not including the Palace itself, there is also the beautiful and historic church of Palma, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 and decorated with stunning narrative tile panels, and the ancient Moorish fountain which continues to provide water to the village.