Central Way

Santo Estevão is a rural commune located 16 km from Benavente (County seat), with a total area of 62.41 km2 and around 2000 inhabitants, according to the 2011 Census. The territory, besides the urban agglomerate, comprises many areas of cultivation and pasture and is located on the right bank of the river Almansor. The site of Foros de Almada, an integral part of the commune, is 5 km from the village. Known over the years not only by the current toponym but also by Santo Estevão da Ribeira and Aldeia de Santo Estevão da Ribeira de Canha, it owes these names to the proximity of the river Almansor also called, at this crossing point, Ribeira de Santo Estevão or Ribeira de Canha.

Several archaeological finds, discovered in the area delimited by the parish, point to the human presence in this region since prehistoric times. However, the earliest reference to this small urban center dates back to the 14th century:The Inventário dos bens móveis e imóveis da Ordem de Avis (Inventory of movable and immovable property of the Order of Avis) dated 1364, refers to the herdades of Ribeira de Canha, among which the following is designated: “Item outra coirela acima de San Stevã que parte cõ Roi Gil e cõ Domingos Bugalho e seus ereos”. Therefore, in this year there was already a chapel with Saint Stephen as a patron, although without certainties on its pastor. In the text of the Torre do Tombo of the same Order, made in 1561, one may conclude that, by this time, the hermitage already had its own pastor and “eighteen patrons”.

Saint Stephen is the patron saint of the parish, which adopted the same toponym. Stephen, a Jewish deacon who spoke Greek, was the first Christian martyr. Excellent preacher, he was the object of great opposition and hostility, being at the end denounced and accused of blasphemy in the Sanhedrin (the supreme assembly of Jerusalem). He was taken out of the city and stoned to death.

The village

A moorland area composed of hills and valleys, some farms and an enviable forest mantle rich in cork oak. But, it’s in its population that lies the greatest wealth. Simple, honest and hardworking people who, for generations, dedicated themselves to work in the fields, on behalf of the considerable agricultural and livestock farms in the region. Monte do Zambujeiro, Monte dos Condes, Monte de Almada, Mata do Duque (Cadaval), Monte da Quinta and Monte do Termo should have a particular highlight. Rich in crop fields mainly of wheat and rice, and pastures dominated by cattle, horses, and pigs. Casa Cadaval, Manuel Luís Anastácio, and Anacleto de Moura were dedicated to the creation of brave cattle, also used in agricultural works.

At the beginning of the 60s of the 20th century, the Equipagem de Santo Huberto (Saint Hubert’s Crew), dedicated to equestrian activities, settled in the village with a particular interest in fox hunting on horseback, with packs of trained dogs. The excellent natural conditions for the exercise of this sport brought to the region many national and foreign practitioners, enthusiasts of this modality.

The village is rich in biodiversity and stands out for the abundance of storks. It is integrated (together with the municipalities of Benavente and Samora Correia) in the Natural Reserve of Tejo’s Estuary, one of the wetlands of excellence for the stationing of migratory birds from Europe.Over the years, the people of Santo Estevão have always been party lovers, whether it is religious or profane. The processions in honor of Our Lady of Conception and Saint Stephen, patron saint of the parish, outstand. The annual calendar is generous in cultural, sporting and recreational activities, which involve not only its inhabitants but many visitors from the nearest localities.The municipality is equipped with several collective facilities, namely: a community meeting house, a daycare center for the elderly with home support, a gymnastic sports pavilion, a kindergarten, pre-school and 1st Cycle, among others.