History of Azambuja
The name: from the Arabic or Mozarabic ‘zambuja/azabuja’, wild olive. Around 1200 Sancho I granted it to D. Rolim and Flemish crusaders, who called it Vila Franca; the Arabic name survived. On 17 May 1272 the lord and the residents agreed the town’s first set of regulations; Manuel I gave it a new foral in 1513. The railway line separates the north, with its small plots, from the large estate of the lezíria to the south. Since 2004 it has no longer belonged to the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and has been part of the Lezíria do Tejo.
What to see in Azambuja
Pelourinho de Azambuja
Opposite the church, in the town hall square.
Igreja Matriz (Nossa Senhora da Assunção)
On the old Rua Direita, next to the Misericórdia and the former Hospital do Espírito Santo.
Marco da Légua
Milestone on the old Rua Direita.
Palace of the Counts of Aveiras
One of the outstanding buildings in the municipality’s heritage.
Population and location
In the 2021 census, the freguesia of Azambuja had 8,257 inhabitants; its area is 83.4 km².
Festivals and food
Dishes of the day in the Ribatejo tradition: ensopado de borrego (lamb stew), leitão assado (roast suckling pig), cozido (boiled meat stew), feijoada (bean stew), cabidela and chanfana (goat stew).
The Portuguese Camino in Azambuja
Azambuja is the end of the Vila Franca de Xira – Azambuja stage and the start of Azambuja – Santarém, which is 33 km (20.5 miles). The pilgrim albergue is on the same street as the Camino, and the town hall and church are in Praça do Município. There is a hotel and a petrol station at the entrance, guesthouses, and a station with trains to Lisbon every 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
How many albergues are there in Azambuja?
This guide lists 1 place to stay for pilgrims in Azambuja, with checked prices, beds and seasons.
Which stage of the Portuguese Camino is Azambuja on?
It is the end of the Vila Franca de Xira – Azambuja stage (20 km / 12.4 miles) and the start of the Azambuja – Santarém stage (33 km / 20.5 miles).