Visit Santarém: Explore the Gothic City

Set along the banks of the Tagus River in central Portugal, Santarém is an underrated treasure that begs to be explored. Often called the Gothic capital of Portugal, this historic city is a haven for architecture lovers, foodies, and wine enthusiasts alike. Just an hour from Lisbon, visit Santarém to stroll through centuries-old churches, vibrant squares, and captivating museums, all steeped in rich cultural heritage. The region is also renowned for its Tejo wine, produced in the fertile valleys surrounding the city. Many local estates offer tastings where tradition meets innovation in every glass. Whether you’re drawn by history, cuisine, or the charm of small-town Portugal, Santarém offers an authentic escape from the usual tourist paths, a timeless journey into the heart of the country.

Visit Santarém: The Best Activities

Explore the City of Santarém

Stroll around Praça Sá da Bandeira

The vibrant heart of Santarém, this lively square buzzes with energy from morning to evening. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and charming boutiques, it’s a favorite gathering place for locals to enjoy the sun, catch up with friends, or attend open-air cultural events. Whether you’re sipping a coffee on a terrace or browsing local shops, it’s the perfect place to soak in the rhythm of everyday life and feel the authentic pulse of the city.

Walk through Jardim das Portas do Sol

Perched atop Santarém’s ancient walls, the Jardim das Portas do Sol is a true oasis in the heart of the city. This beautifully landscaped garden offers more than just a scenic stroll, it provides breathtaking panoramic views over the Tagus River and the surrounding countryside. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after exploring local landmarks, snap unforgettable photos, or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere. If you’re planning to visit Santarém, this garden is an essential stop that blends history, nature, and stunning vistas in one unforgettable experience.

Enjoy the View from St. Bento Viewpoint

Overlooking the Tagus River, the remnants of Moorish fortifications stand as a testament to the many cultures that have shaped Santarém’s rich history. From this elevated viewpoint, the sweeping landscape unfolds in all directions, offering an especially magical scene at sunrise or sunset. It’s a place where past and present meet, inviting quiet reflection and awe-inspiring views.

Explore the Historical Monuments of Santarém

Discover the Gothic Ruins of São João do Alporão

Begin your journey through Santarém with a visit to the Church of São João do Alporão, a striking example of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Now home to an archaeological museum, this historic monument showcases medieval tombstones, ancient artifacts, and remnants that trace the city’s layered past. Its unique design reflects the influence of both Moorish presence and the Order of the Temple, making it a key site for understanding Santarém’s cultural and spiritual heritage.

Visit the Cathedral of Santarém (Sé Catedral)

Formerly a Jesuit church, the Cathedral of Santarém is a magnificent architectural landmark that seamlessly blends Baroque grandeur with Mannerist elegance. Inside, visitors are greeted by an opulent interior adorned with intricate woodwork, gilded altars, and a remarkable collection of religious paintings and sculptures. The cathedral also houses the Museum of Sacred Art, where an array of relics, ornate liturgical garments, and centuries-old manuscripts offer a deep and fascinating insight into the region’s spiritual and cultural legacy.

Wander Through the Historic Centre of Santarém

The cobbled streets of Santarém’s historic center invite you on a timeless journey through Portugal’s rich architectural legacy. As you wander, you’ll encounter traditional azulejos, elegant Renaissance facades, and secluded cloisters that reveal the city’s deep cultural roots. Often hailed as the “capital of Portuguese Gothic,” Santarém boasts a remarkable concentration of religious monuments and medieval artistry. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply captivated by stonework and sweeping vistas, this city will leave a lasting impression. Here are four unmissable sites that capture its essence.

Admire the Azulejos of Santa Maria da Graça Church

Among Santarém’s most iconic Gothic landmarks, the Church of Graça stands out for its refined elegance and architectural harmony. Built in the 14th century, it is particularly famous for its magnificent rose window, intricately carved from a single block of stone, a true masterpiece of medieval craftsmanship. Beyond its visual beauty, the church holds historical significance as the final resting place of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the explorer credited with the discovery of Brazil. A visit here offers both a visual feast and a meaningful connection to Portugal’s rich maritime heritage.

Discover the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade

Graced with a delicate Gothic rose window, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade is a hidden gem steeped in history and spiritual significance. Built in the 16th century, it showcases the Manueline style, blending simplicity with refined decorative details. Inside, the atmosphere is serene, featuring an elegant main altar adorned with traditional azulejos and baroque sculptures. As one of Santarém’s cherished places of worship, the church stands as a beautiful testament to Portugal’s religious and architectural heritage.

Dive into the Culture of Santarém

Visit the Diocesan Museum of Santarém

Housed in the former Episcopal Palace, the Museum of Sacred Art presents a remarkable collection spanning from the 13th to the 19th century. Visitors can admire religious paintings, intricate sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, and ornate liturgical vestments that reflect the region’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage. Seamlessly integrated into the architectural complex of the Santarém Cathedral, the visit includes access to the cathedral, its sacristy, and the museum itself, offering a well-rounded exploration of Santarém’s profound religious and Gothic legacy.

Visit the Municipal Museum

To fully appreciate the region’s past, be sure to visit Santarém’s Municipal Museum, a key destination for understanding the city’s cultural and historical development. Housed in a former convent, the museum features diverse collections ranging from archaeological artifacts and artistic works to everyday objects that trace the evolution of Santarém over the centuries. It’s an essential stop for those looking to connect more deeply with the identity and heritage of this remarkable district.

Explore the Convent of Santa Clara

This former convent reflects the deep religious roots of Portugal’s Gothic capital, offering a serene yet majestic presence in the heart of Santarém. Its graceful architecture, marked by centuries of history, draws in heritage enthusiasts and photographers alike, all seeking an authentic glimpse into the spiritual and cultural soul of the city.

The Best Attractions Around Santarém

Explore the Wineries of the Tejo Region

Just about 9 miles from Santarém, you’ll reach the heart of the Tejo wine region, one of Portugal’s oldest and most storied wine areas. Known for its fertile soils fed by the Tejo River, the region produces an impressive array of red and white wines with distinctive character. Visiting the local wineries offers a deep dive into how the unique terroir shapes each grape variety. To enrich your experience, stop by the regional wine museum and browse traveler reviews and photos to help plan your ideal tasting itinerary.

Book Your Quinta Da Alorna Wine Tasting

Only 15 minutes from Santarém, the historic Quinta da Alorna Palace, with over 300 years of heritage, invites you for a memorable wine experience. Your visit begins with a guided tour of the elegant estate, followed by an exploration of the winery and barrel room. The experience concludes with a tasting of three carefully selected wines, paired with regional delicacies including local cheeses, cured sausages, olive oil, caralhota bread from Almeirim, and dried fruits, a perfect blend of tradition, flavor, and hospitality

Explore the Quinta Da Atela

Quinta da Atela, located in Alpiarça, has a rich history dating back to 1346, when it was known as Quinta da Goucha e Atela and owned by D. Afonso Telo de Menezes, a nobleman connected to Portugal’s royal lineage. It was later donated to the Convento da Graça de Santarém and remained under religious stewardship for centuries. In the late 20th century, it was acquired by Isidoro Maria de Oliveira, founder of Salsichas Izidoro. After a brief occupation post-1974, the estate returned to private hands and was partially owned by a cooperative.

A new chapter began in 2017 when Anabela Tereso and Fernando Vicente, of Valgrupo, took ownership. Under Anabela’s vision, the estate was fully restored, and its wine production modernized. Today, Quinta da Atela is a blend of centuries-old tradition and contemporary innovation, producing refined wines in a beautifully revitalized setting.

Ode Winery, Farm & Living

Less than an hour from Lisbon, Ode Winery impresses with both its elegance and scale. Housed in a century-old estate, its grand cellars, often compared to a cathedral, set the stage for a truly distinctive experience. Embracing the philosophy of “Maximum Attention, Minimum Intervention,” the winery crafts bold yet refined wines that reflect the character of their terroir. The tasting experience is elevated with a visit to the Cellar Door restaurant, where a farm-to-table concept meets Asian-inspired cuisine. Here, global culinary techniques are applied to local ingredients, many of which are grown on-site at Ode Farm, creating a memorable harmony between wine and gastronomy.

Quinta Do Sampayo

With roots dating back to 1718, Quinta do Sampayo has a long-standing tradition of winemaking. In 1860, the estate gained noble recognition when D. Pedro V named Luíz Teixeira de Sampayo the 1st Viscount of Cartaxo, a title under which high-quality wines continued to be produced in small quantities. The estate even earned a mention from writer Almeida Garrett in his famous work Viagens na Minha Terra, reflecting the Quinta’s vibrant atmosphere during his 1843 visit.

Today, Quinta do Sampayo spans around 90 hectares, with 55 hectares of vineyards and 11 hectares of olive groves. The grape varieties are carefully selected to match the terroir, ensuring wines of distinction and elegance that carry forward a rich heritage.

Visit the Charming Village of Rio Maior and Its Traditional Salt Pans

Located roughly 30 minutes northwest of Santarém, Rio Maior is best known for its fascinating salt pans, a remarkable site where salt has been harvested using traditional methods for centuries. Nestled within the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, this unique landscape offers more than historical insight, it’s also a window into the region’s living traditions. Local farmers and artisans sell fresh, regional products nearby, enhancing the experience with authentic flavors. A perfect stop for those interested in both history and nature.

Discover the Fortified City of Óbidos

About an hour southwest of Santarém, the town of Óbidos stands as a stunning medieval gem, often ranked among the top places to visit in central Portugal. Enclosed by remarkably well-preserved ramparts, it invites visitors to wander through cobbled streets, admire vibrant azulejos, and explore architectural treasures like the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição. Once gifted to Portuguese queens as a royal dowry, Óbidos showcases a rich tapestry of Romanesque and Gothic influences, offering timeless charm and a deep sense of history around every corner.

Fátima, One of Portugal’s Largest Pilgrimage Sites

Fátima, about an hour from Santarém, is one of the most important spiritual destinations in Portugal, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. Renowned for the Marian apparitions of 1917, it is home to the Sanctuary of Fátima, which includes the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary and the Chapel of the Apparitions, marking the site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to three shepherd children. The most significant pilgrimages occur between May and October, attracting visitors from across the globe. Beyond its religious significance, Fátima exudes a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere that resonates with all who visit.

Stroll Through the Historic Streets of Alcobaça

Just 50 minutes from Santarém, Alcobaça is home to one of Portugal’s most iconic monuments, the Monastery of Santa Maria, a stunning masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the way, consider a stop at the Church of Nossa Senhora da Piedade, known for its elegant design and historical charm. Much like Santarém, Alcobaça is steeped in history, with landmarks that reflect key chapters of the nation’s past and its connection to Portuguese royalty.

Good to Know Before Visiting Santarém