The Santa Maria da Feira Castle is embarking on a new phase with the commencement of conservation, preservation, and valorization works, representing a total investment of 4.2 million euros. Of this amount, 2 million euros are funded by the Norte 2030 (FEDER) program, while the Municipal Council contributes over 2.2 million euros. The intervention includes the conservation and consolidation of structures, improvements to safety and accessibility, and the creation of new spaces for cultural use and public visitation.
This second phase of the Feira Castle valorization project will enable the recovery of various areas of the monument, optimize visiting conditions, and enhance outdoor spaces, aiming to boost its cultural and tourist appeal. The president of the Santa Maria da Feira Municipal Council, Amadeu Albergaria, highlighted the project's significance as a crucial step in valuing one of the municipality's main symbols, with the goal of making it one of the most visited monuments in the country.
The construction works encompass interventions in the Chapel, Keep Tower, Armory Square, Access Tunnel to the Tenalla, Well Tower, Casemate Tower, and Tenalla, as well as the exterior spaces around the walls and the adjacent parking area. Actions will include conservation, structural maintenance, and the creation of spaces with universal accessibility, alongside improvements to circulation routes to expand the visiting circuit.
This intervention follows up on previous work on the Walls and the Palace Ruin, which involved an investment exceeding 600 thousand euros. Classified as a National Monument since 1910, the Santa Maria da Feira Castle is a key example of Portuguese military architecture and a central element of the municipality's identity, playing a significant role in cultural programming and tourism.
