Casa da Baía, Setúbal
The Casa da Baía (House of the Bay) in Setúbal is an 18th century building that has been completely restored.
It is located in the west of the city a short walk from Praça de Bocage, the main square.
The building dates from the 1750's but had to be rebuilt after the Earthquake of 1755. It was originally a refuge for orphans and widows - the Antigo Recolhimento de Soledade.
The woman and children lived in a collective atmosphere with a strong religious influence. One of the cloisters served as a burial ground for the inmates.
Facilities
The beautiful building serves now as a cafe, art space/gallery and center for local tourism promotion.
There are some lovely outdoor spaces in the former courtyards, a shop selling local wines (the famous white wine Moscatel de Setúbal) and other traditional produce.
Look out for the delicious, runny Queijo de Azeitão cheese from the nearby small town of Azeitão.
In addition, there is a small museum space dedicated to the plant and animals found in the wider Setúbal area.
These include the local Bottlenose dolphins of the Sado Estuary. Wall panels provide information on the creatures in English and Portuguese.
Tourist Information
As well as getting something to eat and drink and some souvenirs to take home, the Casa da Baía has lots of tourist information on Setubal, the Troia Peninsula and other attractions in the area.
You can pick up maps, brochures and information on local tours including dolphin watching in the Sado Estuary and the Luiz Saldanha Marine Park.
The staff are more than happy to help with choosing a good wine.
Access & Hours
Av. Luísa Todi 468
2900-456 Setúbal
Tel: 265 545 010
Admission: Free
Hours: 1 June - 15 September: daily 9 am - midnight; 16 September - 31 May, Sunday - Thursday 9 am - 8 pm, Friday, Saturday and the days before public holidays 9 am - midnight.
To get to Setúbal take a Fertagus Line from any of Roma-Areeiro, Entrecampos, Sete Rios or Campolide.
The museum is a 25 minute walk from Setúbal Station.
Other places of interest in Setúbal include the Casa de Bocage, the Igreja de Sãnta Maria, and the worthwhile Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti.
Hotels in Setúbal
There is a cluster of hotels located near Setúbal Station including the recommended four star Meliá Setúbal Hotel, the Hotel Arangues, three stars and the four star Luna Esperanca Centro Hotel.
Very close by is the Hotel Solaris in another fine, period building.
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