The Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Marvila features 65,000 azulejos. These tiles offer an impressive introduction to Santarém’s cultural heritage: the city combines significant Gothic architectural history with religious collections, routes through the city and distinctive regional cuisine.
Royal History and Gothic Architecture
In the 14th and 15th centuries, Santarém was a royal residence and a place where the Cortes met repeatedly, particularly until the end of the 15th century. Its significant Gothic architectural and funerary heritage earned the city the nickname “Capital of Gothic Architecture.” Those interested in architectural forms and their history will find a wide range of examples here, rather than just one style or type of building.
In Portugal, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Marvila is nicknamed the “Cathedral of 17th-century Tile Art.” The Igreja de Stª. Clara was built in the mid-13th century and is considered a characteristic example of mendicant Gothic architecture. The Convento de S. Francisco was also begun in this style around 1242. The Fonte das Figueiras offers a different perspective on Gothic architecture: it is a rare example of 14th-century Gothic civil architecture.
The Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Graça preserves the tomb of Pedro Álvares Cabral. It was built in the 14th and 15th centuries, and the influence of the flamboyant Gothic style of the Mosteiro da Batalha can be seen on its façade. The Igreja de S. João de Alporão / Núcleo Museológico de Arte e Arqueologia dates from the 12th and 13th centuries, a transitional period between Romanesque and Gothic architecture. The Núcleo Museológico de Arte e Arqueologia collection consists mainly of tombs from the city’s former monasteries.
Azulejos and Religious Collections
You can also find tile art outside the churches: the exterior of the Mercado Municipal features 55 figurative and eight decorative azulejo panels. They were installed between 1932 and 1936. This makes it possible to explore tile design in Santarém across different buildings and periods, without all the examples belonging to the same era.
The Museu Diocesano da Sé de Santarém houses a collection of religious art, with works dating from the 13th century to the present day. Together with the Núcleo Museológico collection, which focuses on tombs from former monasteries, it offers different ways to explore religious art and the city’s history. Each collection has its own focus.
City Walks and Nature Watching
The Circuito da Alcáçova traces cultural heritage and evidence of human settlement from the Bronze Age to the present at fifteen signposted points. The route is 0.67 km long, easy and non-circular; it starts at the Roman cisterns of Portas do Sol. Its length and signposted stops give this walk a clearly defined focus on history and culture.
For longer distances, there is further information about routes in Santarém: a 6.2 km, moderate circular walk starts at Jardim da República. An urban, non-circular walk is 1.77 km long, has a low difficulty level and starts at the Igreja de Santa Clara. The routes differ in length, format and difficulty, so you can choose one that fits your plans for the day. The PR2 – De STR ao Rio route also offers the opportunity to spot the Sardinian warbler (Sylvia melanocephala).
Views and Regional Cuisine
The Portas do Sol viewpoint offers panoramic views over the Lezíria do Tejo. Jardim Portas do Sol covers an area of approximately 18,000 m². These details about the viewpoint and garden add a landscape dimension to the cultural attractions, without requiring you to take another route to enjoy them.
The cuisine also gives Santarém its distinctive character. Traditional dishes include Bacalhau com magusto, Tiborna, Massa à barrão, Cachola de porco and Cozido das matanças. Pampilhos are regional cakes; their long, narrow shape pays tribute to the Campino’s long stick, the pampilho. Alongside architectural history and art, dishes and a local baking tradition are also distinct themes to consider when planning your trip.
Plan Your Journey and Stay
The bus station is in the city centre and is served by frequent express bus connections. Santarém is also served by the CP – Comboios de Portugal railway line, which provides a way to travel to the city. As services can change, check the latest timetables before travelling.
Santarém is an especially good fit for choosing a place to stay if Gothic architecture, azulejos, religious collections and regional cuisine are among your travel interests. The city offers several specific themes to explore, from historic buildings and short or longer walks to views and regional dishes. You can decide which ones should shape your stay according to your interests and the time available.
Discover more destinations: Romeira, São Nicolau, Achete, Alcanede, Pernes
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