Happy TravellerNestled in the district of Setúbal, Portugal, Corroios is a charming civil parish that is part of the Lisbon metropolitan area. Despite being the second most populous town in Portugal, after Algueirão-Mem Martins, Corroios remains relatively unknown to tourists, making it a hidden gem worth exploring. Corroios has a population of 47,661, in an area of 17.11 km², and is home to many immigrants, mainly from Africa but also from Eastern Europe and Asia, with one-third of the population below the age of 25.
The history of Corroios dates back to the Roman occupation, and traces can still be found at Quinta do Rouxinol. In 1385, a part of Corroios was donated to D. Nuno Alvares Pereira, Constable of the Kingdom, by King João I. D. Nuno used his land in Corroios to create a farm and in 1403, he built the first mill of the municipality of Seixal: the still-standing Corroios Tidal Mill, now preserved and kept as an industrial monument, but still functional. The Corroios parish was founded in 1369, until then it was a part of the larger Almada that encompassed most of the current territories of Almada and Seixal. During the Age of Discovery, this was an important loading area of shipments to Lisbon.
With the creation of the Municipality of Seixal on November 6, 1836, Corroios was extinct and merged into the Freguesia of Amora. But on April 7, 1979, after almost 150 years, the Freguesia of Corroios was restored to an independent village. On May 20, 1993, Corroios rose into a town. Furthermore, Corroios has an important natural heritage; one such example being the Corroios Salt Marsh (Sapal de Corroios), which is integrated into the REN-National Ecological Reserve.
The town is located on the south side of the Tagus River, opposite Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and has many attractions, including the Corroios Tidal Mill, a functional and preserved industrial monument built in 1403. The town is also home to the Corroios Salt Marsh, an essential ecological reserve and a unique habitat for a variety of bird species.
Corroios is divided into several neighborhoods, including Vale de Milhaços, Alto do Moinho, Santa Marta do Pinhal, Miratejo, Pinhal de Vidal, and Verdizela. The town boasts a mix of architectural styles, including civic, military, and religious buildings. Some of the most notable buildings include the Estate of Castelo, the Gunpowder Factory of Vale de Milhaços, and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça.
The town has several schools, including six primary schools, two secondary schools, and one high school, making it an ideal place for families to settle down.
In conclusion, Corroios is a hidden gem worth exploring. With its rich history, beautiful natural landscapes, and mix of architectural styles, it is a great destination for anyone looking to get off the beaten path. So why not add Corroios to your travel bucket list today?
