The Castle of Santa Maria da Feira is unique for the configuration of the Keep and the profusion and diversity of defensive elements. Its state of preservation is remarkable.
Closely linked to the origins of the nationality, it is a space where the weight of history is felt and where the popular imagination is revived in the memory of its past.

It is one of the most notable Portuguese military monuments. The diversity of its defensive resources used between the 11th and 16th centuries makes it a unique piece of our military architecture.

It has always represented a symbol of national identity for Santa Mª da Feria and for Portugal. Throughout history, it served several functions: it was a fort during the Roman occupation, a bulwark against Norman invasions, a military fort during the Reconquista, the headquarters of a military region, a great political centre that led to the independence of Portugal and home to royal residences and noble families.

The Commission for the Vigilance of the Castle of Santa Maria da Feira, in collaboration with the DRCN, developed a Conservation and Remodelling Project for the Castle, with the support of community funds, which consisted essentially of carrying out conservation and restoration works on the Chapel, conservation and remodelling of the Keep.

Today, the Castle is ready to perform the functions of a Cultural Centre in the vast area in which it is located and which once constituted a region called Terra de Santa Maria.