The “Portas do Sol” is the most famous and notable viewpoint in the town, with a nice garden, providing a wonderful panorama over the Tagus river and its estuary and all the surrounding nature. It is possible to observe part of the ancient defensive town walls.
Santarém is an important and historical town situated in the centre of Portugal, in the region called Ribatejo (meaning “above the river Tagus”) region.
the market
streets
The historical centre is characterized by its lovely narrow and winding street net, with different colours and shapes, where history seems to be present on every corner, providing pleasant walks, with small traditional shops and services.
In fact, Santarém is one of the most ancient and historical cities in the country, which foundation has mythical origins, reporting to the Greco-roman mythology and also Christian. The first documented archaeological vestiges date back to the 8th century b.C.. In 138 b.C the Romans arrived to the previous village, designating it of “Scallabis” and transforming the locality in the major trading centre in the Middle Tagus river region and one of the most important administrative centres in the Lusitânia province.
Santarém also possesses a strong heritage from the Moorish occupation period, that here developed military, cultural and artistic basis, and afterwards, during the Christian conquest, the already quite developed town of Santarém was re-conquered by the 1st Portuguese King, D. Afonso Henriques, in 1147, setting the basis for the solidification of the Country.
campinos
traditional ribatejo horsemen and wild bull shepherds
challenging the wild beast...é touro!!!
bullfight in the streets
gastronomy festival
The Gastronomy of the region is quite famous and present on the many restaurants in all the Santarém borough. Every year takes place in Santarem the most famous culinary festival in the country, in the second half of October, and also the quite prestige National Agriculture Fair, on the first week of June
