Summer is synonymous with long afternoons spent in the sun at beaches and pools, but also with countless medieval fairs and events that take us back in time to an era when kings and knights were a reality. And, about 30 minutes from Porto, what is considered one of the largest historical reenactments on the Iberian Peninsula is about to return. The time has come for the Medieval Journey in Terra de Santa Maria to once again “take over” the Porto Metropolitan Area.
The 2026 edition kicks off on Tuesday evening , July 28, with several free activities. Then, from July 29 to August 9, there will be 12 days of paid admission featuring around 90 daily performances, a total investment of 2.1 million euros, and the participation of two familiar faces to the national audience to make the experience even more immersive—the acclaimed professional actors Tiago Aldeia and Custódia Gallego.
A Journey to Portugal’s Roots
Actors Tiago Aldeia and Custódia Gallego will bring to life D. Afonso Henriques and his mother , D. Teresa de Leão, taking us on a journey straight back to the era of the County of Portucale and the events that preceded the creation of the Kingdom of Portugal. In a storyline worthy of “Game of Thrones” or “House of the Dragon,” where the struggle for power transcends blood ties.
To recreate the medieval era as authentically as possible, the historic center of Santa Maria da Feira transforms into a true open-air stage, spanning an area of 37 hectares, including streets and squares, parks and woodlands, a museum, a church, a municipal market, and a castle classified as a National Monument — and one of the most impressive to visit in Portugal.
What can you expect at the Medieval Journey in Terra de Santa Maria?
This year is particularly important, as it marks three decades of the event’s evolution and a total of 28 editions of one of the largest historical reenactments in the Iberian Peninsula. That’s why every detail has been carefully planned.
Upon entering the venue, get ready to embark on a journey through time with various themed areas and entertainment squares, 19 dining spots, and more than 200 vendor stalls offering crafts, regional products , and other surprises.
Thus, the Medieval Journey in Terra de Santa Maria offers a truly immersive experience featuring parades, battles, fire shows, dance, music, traditional games, and much more. All of this takes place in an atmosphere where, as night falls, the castle takes center stage with its customary scenic lighting.
This is one of those trips where anyone who’s been there can’t wait to go back; and anyone who’s never experienced it now has the perfect excuse to put on a costume, head to Santa Maria da Feira, and step into this authentic time machine.
Useful Information
📍Where: Historic Center of Santa Maria da Feira
📆When: July 28 (free admission), starting at 10 p.m.; between July 29 and August 9 (paid admission)
⏰Hours: Monday through Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
🎟️Tickets: daily ticket €6 from Sunday through Thursday and €8 on Saturdays and Sundays; access wristband €12; children 5 and under get in free; other ticket options and information available on the event’s officialwebsite
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