Entroncamento: In the Footsteps of the Railway

Entroncamento developed from the late 19th century onwards around the junction of Portugal’s Northern and Eastern Railways. The town’s railway settlements also grew up with the railway. You can explore this history from different perspectives at the Museu Nacional Ferroviário: through rides, themed tours and a game in the collection.

Hands-on Railway History

At the Museu Nacional Ferroviário, visitors can ride a handcar on the museum tracks. Another option is a ride on a manned model railway. If you are planning to try these activities, check their availability before your trip.

The two themed tours focus on different aspects. “On Board” takes you to steam locomotives, driver’s cabs, passenger coaches and carriages. “Locomotion” focuses on the technology and science of steam, electric and diesel vehicles. Both tours require booking.

The “Traincatcher” game adds collection-based activities to a museum visit: participants look for clues, complete tests, answer questions and solve puzzles. Booking is also required for this activity. The museum therefore offers both the chance to see a range of vehicles and learn about their technology, and hands-on activities; check which ones are available when planning your visit.

Neighbourhoods, Architecture and Building History

Bairro Camões is part of Entroncamento’s railway history and was designed by Cottinelli Telmo and Luís da Cunha. Escola Camões and the surrounding neighbourhood were also designed by the two architects, who drew inspiration from the garden city movement. The school is closed.

Another historic site is in Casais das Vaginhas. The Capela de São João Baptista was built there in the early 17th century. Its simple architecture consists of a single nave; the chapel was reconstructed in 1982/83. Chafariz das Vaginhas was also designed by Cottinelli Telmo and inaugurated on 23 June 1933.

Entroncamento’s churches also reflect different periods of construction. The Igreja Paroquial do Entroncamento is dedicated to the Sagrada Família and was inaugurated in 1940. The Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Fátima was inaugurated on 30 April 1995; it was designed by architect João Sousa Lino. The former Mercado Diário building was restored between 1986 and 1991 for conversion into the Centro Cultural do Entroncamento.

Reservoir and Culinary Highlights

Albufeira do Bonito, in Parque Verde do Bonito, is an artificial reservoir fed by the Ribeira de Santa Catarina. Recreational fishing takes place in the reservoir. As booking arrangements may change, check in advance if you are planning this activity.

Dishes associated with Entroncamento include açordas, baked cod with batatas a murro and feijoadas. Pão de-ló and tigeladas are among the sweet treats associated with the town. This cuisine offers another way to explore the destination, alongside its railway history, architecture and reservoir.

Travelling by Train

Entroncamento station has eleven passenger platforms or tracks. On weekdays, direct train services run to Lisbon and Porto. As services and frequencies may change, check the current timetable before travelling. Depending on whether the railway museum, building history or reservoir is the main focus of your stay, you can take these themes into account when planning your time in Entroncamento.

About the town: Entroncamento.

Discover more destinations: Sardoal, Tomar, Ourém, Rio Maior, Almeirim, Abrantes, Cartaxo.

Return to the regional travel overview: Santarem.