Palmela Castle is located at one of the highest points in Serra da Arrábida. It is a difficult to access location and therefore ideal for fulfilling its territorial defence function. During the Christian Reconquista led by D. Afonso Henriques, first king of Portugal, Palmela was part of the defence line south of the Tagus. At that time, the king donated the territories of Palmela, Almada and Alcácer to the Order of Sant'Iago da Espada for defence and settlement. In 1205, D. Sancho I confirmed the donation and installed the Chapter of the Order in the castle. In the century. XV, D. João I ordered a series of restoration works to be carried out, especially in the keep and ordered the construction of the convent that would become the seat of the Order from 1443 onwards. The castle also underwent some changes in the 14th century. XVII, under order of D. Pedro II. The friars remained in the Santiago convent until the extinction of the religious orders in 1834. The building was finally recovered by the State in 1945 and transformed into the Pousada de Portugal.

The Church of S. Pedro, Matriz de Palmela, in addition to being historic, is one of the most prominent buildings in the locality. Temple of medieval origin, dating back to before 1320, its design being the result of complete reconstruction in the second half of the 16th century. Around the 40s of the 18th century, the interior was artistically remodeled with tiles by Nicolau de Freitas. Damaged by the earthquakes of 1755 and 1858, it had to be rebuilt. Located in Largo do Município, the Main Church has three naves with Tuscan columns, and inside tiles from the Baroque period (XVIII), which represent scenes from the life of Saint Peter. It also includes an important 18th century sculptural and pictorial set.

Right next to Palmela Castle is the Venâncio Ribeiro da Costa Park, the true lung of the town. It has a picnic area, an outdoor amphitheatre where cultural events are held regularly, and exercise equipment. Trees and birds abound.

Casa Mãe da Rota de Vinhos serves as a reservation centre for guided tours of the wineries and other places such as craft centers, cheese shops, built heritage or activities such as dolphin watching or boat trips along the Sado. Casa Mãe da Rota de Vinhos also functions as a store for wines certified with Geographical Indication Península de Setúbal and Denomination of Origin Palmela and Setúbal. In addition to charging cellar prices, it is possible to purchase and taste the best of this wine region! Fruity white wines, young rosés, full-bodied castelão reds and the famous Moscatéis de Setúbal, including sparkling wines, brandies or liqueurs. Casa Mãe da Rota de Vinhos also offers a variety of quality regional products, such as a variety of delicious pastries and cakes, fruit jams and jams, sheep's butter and Azeitão cheese with a Protected Designation of Origin, honey and teas. biological.