Ribatejo is an alluvial plain around the river that gives it a unique character. On the hills of the right bank there is polyculture based on olive trees, vineyards and vegetables, the land is mostly limestones and clay. On the terraces of the left bank there are big properties which produce wheat and olive trees, you will also find vast zones of cork and oak forests. The easily flooded plain is occupied with paddy-fields, vegetable farms, and the vast plains called "Lezírias", dedicated to breeding horses and black bulls intended for Touradas (Portuguese bullfights). This region is known for its horse fairs and cattle and farm product exhibitions.
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Vista de Jardim de Porta do Sol |
Santarém is a very old town which was called "Scalabis" in Roman times and later became "Praesidium Julium". In the 7th century, during the Wisigoth domination it became "Santa Irene" or "Iria", a name given by the wisigoth king because, according to the legend, the body of the virgin tortured in Nabância (Tomar) in 653 arrived there uncorrupted. Santarém became Arabic in 715 and was conquered in 1147 by the first king of Portugal. The Court settled down in this city several times and important decisions were made there.
The city was indeed one of the most important in mediaeval Portugal, as attested by its large number of monasteries and its royal palace (now lost). There are still enough examples of Gothic buildings in the city for it to be known as the "Capital of the Portuguese Gothic". Santarém has a picturesque city centre with several monuments, including the largest and most varied ensemble of gothic churches in Portugal.
Set apart the visit of these monuments, you must also take a walk in the historic centre, visit the belvedere in the Portas do Sol" garden laid out in the ruins of the ancient castle, from where you will have a magnificent view over the river, and visit the covered market with its azulejo pictures from the beginning of the century. part of the walls and towers of the castle are still preserved.
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Santarem Cathedral |
- Sé (Cathedral)
Built in the 17th century in mannerist style as the Jesuit Church of the city it became the Seminary church after the Jesuits were expelled from Portugal in the mid-18th century.The interior decoration is very rich, with altarpieces from various periods and styles and a ceiling with an illusionist painting. Since the 1970's it has been the Cathedral of Santarém. The site of the church and seminary was previously occupied by the mediaeval royal palace of Santarém. The seminar building can also be visited.
- Convento de S.Francisco
: Built in the 13th century it is maybe the purest Gothic building in Santarém (mendicant) but it is partly in ruins. It has a nice Gothic cloister.
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Santarem - Igreja de Marvilal |
- Igreja de Marvila
It was built in the 12th century by the first king of Portugal and restored in the 16th century. The beautiful portal and the the main chapel are in Manueline style, the nave and pulpit in early Renaissance. The interior walls are covered with 17th century polychromatic tiles with geometric patterns. It has one of the most outstanding tile-based interior decorations in Portugal.
- Santíssimo Milagre
A 14th century church which was later restored. This church is very visited because it shelters a host which, in 1247, was thought to have transformed into Christ's blood.
- Igreja Da Misericórdia
A
church from the end of the 16th century, it was restored after the 1755 earthquake.
- Igreja de S. João de Alporão
Built between the 12th and 13th centuries by the Knights Hospitallers, this church is a fine example of transitional architecture, with a Romanesque main portal and an early Gothic main chapel and vaulting. The arches of the ambulatory of the main chapel show Arab influences. The church now houses a small Archaeological Museum. Its most important piece is the flamboyant Gothic tomb of Duarte de Meneses, missed in a battle in North Africa in 1465. His magnificent tomb is empty.
