Routes and Hiking Trails

Traversed by pilgrims since the beginning of the 9th century when the tomb of the Apostle Saint James the Greater was discovered, the Way of Saint James is a millennial route leading to the Cathedral where the relics of the Holy Apostle are venerated. This phenomenon has developed over centuries, attracting people from the most diverse origins to the present day.

Pilgrims say that walking the Way of Saint James is to experience renewal and transformation—an inner journey that often surpasses the tangible experience of the trip itself.

Santarém is part of the so-called Central Way, considered the most important pilgrimage route to Santiago from Portuguese lands, being the choice of the majority of pilgrims who have headed to Santiago since the 9th century

In this approach to the section of the Way of Saint James that crosses the Municipality of Santarém, we highlight some Points of Interest (PI) directly related to the Way of Saint James that can be observed along this route.

South of Santarém, the route—which begins in Lisbon and follows from Valada/Cartaxo across agricultural lands lined with vineyards—reaches the paved EN 587 near the Santarém airfield, continuing to Ómnias. From here, it climbs the Calçada da Fonte da Junqueira, passing an old fountain halfway up the slope, until reaching the plateau of the city of Santarém.

PI 1 – Fonte da Junqueira

A fountain of great importance due to its location on the access slope to the Santarém plateau, allowing pilgrims and travelers coming from the South to resupply and regain their strength. The structure visible today dates back to 1835. (Water unfit for consumption).

In the city, after passing Rua Pedro de Santarém, the route continues to Largo Cândido dos Reis and enters what would have been the "Mansos Gate," one of the gates of Santarém's walls and the southern entrance of the current Rua João Afonso. It continues to the Canto da Cruz, where it turns right onto Rua Miguel Bombarda toward the Church of Santo Estevão, the Sanctuary of the Holy Miracle—a point of passage noted in much bibliography.

PI 2 – Church of Santo Estevão / Sanctuary of the Holy Miracle (N.M.)

A Sanctuary since 1997, it is nevertheless related to the miracles that occurred in the 13th century and has been a site of pilgrimage and visits by various monarchs over the centuries, notably Queen Saint Elizabeth.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, it became the most popular sanctuary in the kingdom

Currently, it is one of the most visited sites in Santarém, especially by foreigners participating in religious journeys.

From here, you reach Rua Braamcamp Freire (formerly the Calçada da Amargura) via the steps that provide access to it. Continuing to the left, you catch sight of the Vale de Torres and climb toward the square where the Church of Graça is located, part of the ancient Augustinian convent.

PI 3 – Church of Graça

Former Augustinian Convent (N.M.). Pilgrims with more means, including clergy, found accommodation in the monasteries of various orders.

The Augustinian Monastery provided shelter to pilgrims, and the Church of Graça was an integral part of that monastery.

The route continues through Rua de Belmonte, crossing the Terreirinho das Flores toward the current Av. 5 de Outubro, passing the Church of Alporão.

PI 4 – Church of S. João de Alporão (N.M.) / Cabaças Tower (N.M.)

A focal point for understanding the medieval town, as the wall gate that once existed between the clock tower (called Cabaças) and the bell tower of the Church of S. João de Alporão defined the medieval town limits, making a clear distinction between this location and the military and strategic point of the Alcáçova.

The route follows the aforementioned avenue to the Largo da Alcáçova, where the Alcáçova Church is located

PI 5 – Alcáçova Church

Founded in 1154 over a Roman building, it was donated by King D. Afonso Henriques to the Knights Templar, as stated in the inscription on the church's main facade. The Templars’ original mission was the protection of pilgrims, and in Santarém, they were located in a prime strategic and military area.

The Church of Santa Maria da Alcáçova was an important collegiate and royal chapel between the 13th and 19th centuries. In the Middle Ages, it maintained a school that functioned until the 18th century.

Adjacent to this square, in the Largo de Santiago, you cross the Santiago Gate, an ancient wall gate, to descend the medieval cobblestone path of the same name.

PI 6 – Santiago Gate and Medieval Path

Of the seven gates that marked the medieval walls of Santarém, only two remain: the Sun Gate (Porta do Sol) and the Santiago Gate. The latter was one of the main entrances/exits of the walled city of Santarém, connecting the riverside district of Ribeira to the Alcáçova via the Santiago path. A coat of arms of Portugal can be seen on it. It is currently crossed by countless pilgrims on the Way of Saint James.

Descending this ancient path—which has a significant slope and uneven pavement—toward Ribeira de Santarém, you pass the site of the former parish of Santiago. Its church collapsed in the 1755 earthquake, and the image of the Saint is now part of the collection of the Gothic Church of Santa Cruz, located on the left at the end of this path.

The route proceeds through this riverside center to Rua Lourenço de Almeida and from there to Rua do Meio and Rua do Alfageme de Santarém, eventually crossing the railway line to the Palhais Fountain, located near the ruins of the old Palhais Hospital, where pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela were welcomed until the 14th century.

PI 7 – Palhais Fountain

A fountain that supplied travelers heading North, as well as those arriving in Santarém via the three country roads that converged there. Near the fountain were the Gothic church and the Hospital of Sta. Maria de Palhais, of which traces remain. It was one of Santarém's most prestigious institutions as a hospital-hostel serving travelers and pilgrims. Built from the remains of this hospital, a large wall supports an 18th-century Rocaille Baroque stonework structure. The water tank is separated from the two spouts by a wrought iron guard to distinguish the animal watering area from the supply point for the local population and passersby. The water flows from two spouts styled in the fashion of the period.

On the right is the Alcorce Bridge, an example of the medieval heritage elements that supported this path

PI 8 – Alcorce Bridge

A medieval bridge that was part of the easiest itinerary connecting Santarém and Coimbra, passing through Golegã, Tomar, Pombal, and Soure.

Between the 16th century and the late 19th century, it was part of the Royal Road used by travelers—some arriving in Santarém by river—destined for Coimbra.

From here, the route follows the Country Road (Estrada de Campo), and approximately 1 km to the NW, enters dirt tracks providing access to the agricultural fields of this Ribatejo lezíria.

Further ahead, the route returns to the paved road lined with estates: Quinta da Cruz da Légua and Quinta da Boavista on the right, reaching Vale de Figueira via Rua Campo do Rossio up to the main church, the Church of S. Domingos, where the clock indicates the date of 1861.

PI 9 – Parish Church of Vale Figueira

A likely stopping point given the length of the journey.

The interior features a single nave with five Baroque gilded woodwork altars and beautiful decorative tiles.

After the church, to the right, follow Rua do Sobral, and the journey continues once more along dirt tracks. Houses become scarce, and as the terrain becomes more rugged between the estate fields, the dirt path is lined with cork oaks, eucalyptus, and poplars, along with denser vegetation near the Alviela River. After crossing the bridge, you enter agricultural service roads until Rua Porto das Pereiras, leaving the Municipality of Santarém and entering the Municipality of Golegã.