[1] Covering the historic city centre, it is the seat of the Santa Maria da Feira Municipality.

While city's official name is Santa Maria da Feira, it is often referred to as simply Feira, including on highway signs.

The surrounding area is often known as Terras de Santa Maria.

Sights include the Convento do Espírito Santo (convent), the Igreja da Misericórdia (church; 18th century), and the Rua Direita (street; 18th and 19th centuries' architecture).

Its greatest landmark is the Santa Maria da Feira Castle, from the 11th century.