Santarém has an incredibly long history with evidence in existence suggesting that people inhabited the area as early as the Iron Age. It is an area of Portugal that is extremely fertile, due to its proximity to the River Tagus, and because of this has enticed large settlements of people to its plains since that era.
It was during the Roman era that it became a city of great importance and continued to be during the Moorish occupation. In fact, it is known that Julius Caesar himself used it as an administrative centre during his reign. During the 12th century it was captured by the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, along with many other of the surrounding towns and cities. After falling in love with the town, Afonso encouraged other royalty and nobles to visit and their presence soon became a defining feature of this town that is still evident today.
Santarém area, photo by John Copland
Perhaps because of this, and due to its position and fertility, Santarém became a bustling trading centre that in the middle ages was considered to be quite modern. Not only this, it was a melting pot of Portuguese art and culture. Though unfortunately for the town its period of prosperity came to an abrupt halt in the 15th century after Prince Afonso, heir to the crown in 1491, died in the region. Because of this, the royal family paid less and less visits to the town and as a result, little money was spent there. Despite this, evidence of the city’s former prosperity remains alive in its buildings and atmosphere.
The 17th century Igreja da Graça is a domineering structure graced with marble decorations and beautifully hand painted ceilings. Within the church lays the tomb of Pedro Álvares Cabral, a former resident of the town, who is the man credited with discovering Brazil in 1500. In contrast to this there is the simple 13th century Igreja de Santa Clara, and the archaeological museum is a tributary to the diverse history of the region.
There are plenty of surroundings towns that offer art museums, and the birthplace of the famous Vasco do Gama, the famous Portuguese explorer, is not far in the form of ruins. Finally, back in Santarém and not for the faint hearted, regular bullfights are held over the summer months. Bulls and cattle are a particular pride of the area and there is even a National Agricultural Fair held every June in which a cattle market is set up.
More information: visitportugal.com
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