Grândola (, ) is a town (vila) and municipality in Setúbal District in Portugal. The population in 2021 was 13,822, in an area of . Besides the town of Grândola, it includes areas such as Tróia (part of Carvalhal parish), a peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Sado River, and the popular summer resort of Melides. The municipality also features the Serra de Grândola mountain range and its coastline is partly within the Comporta region.

Grândola is known for inspiring the song "Grândola, Vila Morena" by José Afonso, which became an iconic symbol during the Carnation Revolution. The current mayor of Grândola is Luís Vital Alexandre from the Socialist Party (PS).

History

Early history and medieval period

alt=The picture depicts fish-processing tanks in stone from the Roman period. Walls of buildings can also be seen in the background.|left|thumb|Roman ruins of Tróia

Archaeological studies indicate human presence in the region of Grândola since at least the Mesolithic period, with sites representing nearly all subsequent historical eras. During antiquity, the Roman period was likely the time when Grândola's territory reached its highest levels of population, economic activity, and social development. Archeological sites in the municipality from this period include the Roman Dam of Pego da Moura and the Roman ruins of Tróia.

Following the establishment of Portugal, the territory became part of the domain of Alcácer do Sal and was largely under the control of the Military Order of Santiago. Around 1380, during the reign of King John I, the Commandery of Grândola was established. This event, along with policies implemented by the crown and the Order of Santiago, contributed to the area's development. Land was distributed, chapels and mills were constructed, and the settlement of Gramdolla was recognized as a village. By the late Middle Ages, the village had a population of approximately 150, while the wider Commandery housed around 900 inhabitants across 220 households.

Parishes

Administratively, the municipality is divided into four civil parishes (freguesias):

  • Azinheira dos Barros e São Mamede do Sádão
  • Carvalhal
  • Melides
  • Grândola e Santa Margarida da Serra

Transports

Grândola is well-connected by road, with several major highways providing access to the town. The A2 highway links Grândola to Lisbon to the north and the Algarve to the south, while the toll-free IC1 offers an alternative route. Additionally, the A26/IP8 highway connects the town to Sines in the southwest and Beja in the east.

The municipality is served by several bus lines, including Rede Expressos, which provides daily connections to various locations across Portugal. The Rodoviária do Alentejo also operates services linking Grândola to other towns in the Alentejo region.

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File:Grândola Vila Morena.jpg|Monument to the Carnation Revolution

File:Pego da Moura5.jpg|Roman Dam of Pego da Moura

File:DolmendaPedraBranca1.jpg|Dolmen of Pedra Branca, a burial tomb from the late Neolithic

File:Grandola railway station.jpg|Grandola railway station

File:Troia - Portugal (50413907951).jpg|Troía peninsula

File:Lagoa de Melides - Portugal (14382255371).jpg|Melides lagoon

</gallery>

See also

  • "Grândola, Vila Morena" &ndash; a song by José Afonso associated with the Carnation Revolution

References

  • Website of the Municipality of Grândola