Cadeia do Limoeiro

The Centro de Estudos Judiciários is a training facility in Santa Maria Maior housed in a substantial stone building at Largo do Limoeiro that displays traditional Portuguese architectural elements. The building contains multiple training rooms and spaces specifically designed for teaching judges and prosecutors.

The building began as a royal residence and later served as a courthouse and prison before becoming the national center for judge and prosecutor training in 1979. This transformation shows how the structure evolved as the Portuguese legal system changed over time.

This institution shapes how judges and prosecutors learn their craft through courses and research programs tailored to modern legal needs. The spaces show how the Portuguese justice system prepares professionals who will serve courts across the country.

The facility is open on weekdays and offers access to training rooms and legal resources for registered participants. Visitors should know that entry is limited to people attending official programs or exploring the premises through guided tours.

The building features different training zones, each dedicated to a specific legal specialty, ranging from criminal law to administrative procedures. This approach allows students to learn specialized topics in spaces that reflect their future working environments.