Event Details
Welcome to the XXIX Viagem Medieval em Terra de Santa Maria 2026
From 29 July to 9 August 2026, the historic centre of Santa Maria da Feira transforms into a living medieval stage. The Viagem Medieval em Terra de Santa Maria is the largest historical reenactment in the Iberian Peninsula and one of Europe's most prestigious medieval festivals. In 2026, the event marks its 30th anniversary with a special edition dedicated to the Condado Portucalense, the political and territorial foundation of the Kingdom of Portugal. An opening spectacle takes place on the evening of 28 July at 22:00, with free admission.
Highlights 2026
- 30th anniversary edition themed around "Condado Portucalense – D. Afonso Henriques e Teresa de Leão"
- Free opening spectacle on 28 July at 22:00 featuring 500 "Filhos da Viagem"
- 88 shows daily across five animation squares and 18 themed areas
- National actors Custódia Gallego (D. Teresa) and Tiago Aldeia (Afonso Henriques) as leading figures
- Medieval tournaments, historical processions and battle reenactments
- 202 merchants and craftspeople, 17 taverns and 2 medieval restaurants
- Videomapping and fire shows on the walls of Castelo de Santa Maria da Feira
- Around 33 hectares of historic scenery with over 2,000 performers
Program and Theme
The 29th edition of the Viagem Medieval explores the Condado Portucalense, the cradle of the Portuguese nation. The story centres on D. Teresa and D. Afonso Henriques, and the events that led to the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal, including the legendary Battle of São Mamede. Each day brings up to 88 performances, including jousting tournaments, juggler shows, medieval dances, theatrical plays and fire performances. The night shows from 22:00 onwards are particularly spectacular, with videomapping lighting up the castle walls in a breathtaking display. The opening night on 28 July is free and features 500 "Filhos da Viagem", residents of Santa Maria da Feira born since the first edition in 1996.
Tickets and Opening Hours
The event grounds are open Monday to Friday from 13:00 to 00:30 and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 to 00:30. Children up to age 5 enter free. From age 6, a ticket or wristband is required. Three entry options are available:
- Daily ticket: Sunday to Thursday €6.00 ; Friday and Saturday €8.00
- Pulseira de Acesso (season wristband, valid all 12 days): early sale until 15 July €10.00 ; from 16 July €12.00
- Pulseira Real (includes castle access and medieval tournament): from €12.00
Tickets and wristbands are available online via BOL and at the Vila da Feira Loja Oficial (Rua dos Descobrimentos 5). Visitors with a disability rating of 60% or above enter free of charge.
Visitor Tips
- The grounds have limited capacity – arrive early to avoid queues, especially on weekends.
- Porto Airport (OPO) is approximately 45 km away, around 35 to 45 minutes by taxi.
- Medieval costumes are strongly encouraged and greatly enhance the atmosphere.
- The site has uneven terrain and limited wheelchair access; the castle interior is not accessible for mobility devices.
- Book accommodation several months in advance as the region fills up quickly during the event.
- Evening hours from 22:00 offer the most spectacular shows, including videomapping on the castle walls.
- The season wristband (Pulseira de Acesso) is worth it from the second day onwards.
