Routes and Hiking Trails

Introduced by the Moors, the art of the azulejo (tile) evolved over centuries to become a national treasure. In Santarém, tiles were used in original ways—from the interior lining of churches and palaces to 19th-century private facades, culminating in the magnificent exterior panels of the Municipal Market.

Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal) Designed in 1930 by architect Cassiano Branco, the market’s exterior features a remarkable collection of 55 figurative tile panels and 8 decorative ones. Produced by the Sacavém Factory (1932–1936), they depict Ribatejo’s daily life and its monuments. The main entrance showcases Aleluia Factory (Aveiro) tiles, including a panel of the old "Chão da Feira" market and the city's coat of arms.

Sá da Bandeira Square (Ns. 8-10) Admire a facade covered in interesting 19th-century stamped tiles, commonly known as "travessão", produced by the renowned Viúva Lamego Factory.

Serpa Pinto Street One of the city’s richest streets for tile facades. Nos. 84-86: Look for a unique example of 19th-century utilitarian tiles featuring turnip heads, branches, and flowers. These were produced by the Caldas da Rainha Pottery Factory, founded in 1884 by the famous artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro.

Visconde Serra do Pilar Square Features the tiled facade (1872) of the former City Hall (Paços do Concelho).

Marvila Church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Marvila) Known as the "Cathedral of 17th-century Tiles" in Portugal. The interior is a breathtaking display of ceramic art with over 65,000 tiles. Checkerboard style: Blue and white tiles set diagonally in the chancel chapels. Carpet style: Polychrome patterns (blue, yellow, and white) with ornate borders covering the side naves.

1º Dezembro Street (No. 91) An building covered in green and white embossed tiles known as "Pé de Galo" (Rooster's Foot), topped with a HispanoMoresque inspired frieze from the Caldas da Rainha Factory. Nearby buildings (corner buildings on Miguel Bombarda Street and Capelo e Ivens Street) feature large surfaces of monochrome tiles from the Sacavém Factory, including patterns with floral bars and peacock motifs.

Capelo e Ivens Street (No. 47) An iconic set of five late 19th-century panels by "Ferreira das Tabuletas", the artistic director of Viúva Lamego. The panels represent Commerce and Industry, a medallion with the store owner's name, and two classic flower vase designs (albarradas).

Chapel of the Third Order of St. Francis Located inside the Hospital of Jesus Christ Church, this chapel is richly decorated with 18th-century tile panels depicting the lives of Franciscan figures.

Optional Visit: Ribeira de Santarém Railway Station - In 1927, 16 tile panels from the Aleluia Factory transformed this station into one of the most beautiful stops along the Linha do Norte (Northern Line).

Come and discover the Mannerist religious architecture of Santarém (Scalabitana): a style where exterior sobriety contrasts with the breathtaking beauty of the interiors, yet remains rooted in utilitarian functionality. The Baroque gilded woodwork, intricate tiles, and master paintings grant these spaces an inestimable value.

Our Lady of Piety Church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade) Built in the second half of the 17th century near the old Leiria Gate to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Ameixial. Designed by royal architect João Nunes Tinoco, it features a Greek-cross plan with an octagonal dome. The Mannerist influence is clear in the exterior's austerity, seen in its portals, ornaments, and pediments.

Our Lady of the Conception Church (Seminary/Cathedral) Constructed between the 17th and 18th centuries on the ruins of the Royal Palace by architect Mateus do Couto. Originally a Jesuit college, its Mannerist facade is divided into five sections by pilasters, with niches housing statues of the order's primary saints. The interior is a Baroque masterpiece, highlighted by inlaid marbles, gilded woodwork (talha dourada), and ceiling paintings. It is now the Cathedral of Santarém.

Saint Nicholas Church (Igreja de S. Nicolau) Rebuilt in 1600 following a fire, with architect Baltasar Álvares contributing to the project. It stands on the site of a former Gothic structure, from which two important tombs were preserved. The Mannerist facade is divided by pilasters, while the interior houses significant 17th-century artworks, including canvases by Bento Coelho da Silveira.

Mercy Church (Igreja da Misericórdia) Designed by Miguel de Arruda and built between 1559 and 1602, this magnificent hall-church is one of the earliest Mannerist projects in Santarém. The interior features three naves of equal height separated by Tuscan columns. Notable details include the "grotesque" (brutescos) paintings on the columns and the Mannerist panel by Simão Rodrigues in the high altar. The original facade was renovated after the 1755 earthquake, reflecting Baroque influences.

Hospital of Jesus Christ Church (Igreja do Hospital de Jesus Cristo) A 17th/18th-century construction boasting a typical "Plain Style" (Estilo Chão) facade, similar to the São Vicente de Fora Church in Lisbon—a model that spread across the Portuguese world. Austere and functional, the facade features two bell towers. Inside, the focus shifts to rich gilded altars, retable paintings, decorative tiles, and frescoed ceilings. Key Concept: The "Plain Style" (Estilo Chão) When visiting these monuments, notice the exterior austerity. This was a deliberate choice in Portuguese Mannerism to prioritize functionality and structural clarity, leaving the "heavenly" decoration for the interior.

A city of deeply devout people, Santarém has been a sanctuary for numerous religious orders throughout the centuries—Franciscans, Jesuits, Carmelites, and many others. This legacy is preserved in the history of sixteen convents and over forty hermitages.

In the shadow of these monastic houses, legends of miracles were born. Local chronicles are filled with accounts of mystical ecstasies and celestial appearances.

Santarém still holds the traces of these wonders, and we invite you to explore this mystical past.

Santa Clara Church (Igreja de Santa Clara) Founded in the 13th century, this convent was favored by Leonor Afonso, daughter of King Afonso III, who lived here an exemplary life of holiness. Today, only the church remains. Inside, you can find her original 14th-century tomb alongside a 17th-century sarcophagus where her remains rest today.

The Legend of the Winter Cherries: Leonor Afonso was considered a "mirror of prudence" and a "model of sanctity." It is said that once, while assisting a sick nun who craved cherries out of season, Leonor turned to prayer. She went to the orchard, blessed a dry cherry tree, and it instantly bloomed and bore scarlet fruit. Upon eating them, the nun was miraculously healed.

Our Lady of Piety Church (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Piedade) Built to commemorate the Portuguese victory at the Battle of Ameixial (1663). This Greek-cross church houses a beautiful image of the Virgin Mary.

The Miracle of the Restored Independence: In 1663, during the war against Spain, the people of Santarém turned to the Virgin in desperation. It is said that the face of the statue miraculously leaned toward her Son, as if granting their prayers. After the Spanish were defeated, King Afonso VI laid the first stone of this church to provide a worthy home for the miraculous image.

Sanctuary of the Holy Miracle (Santuário do Santíssimo Milagre) Originally the Church of St. Stephen, this Renaissance sanctuary holds one of the world's most famous Eucharistic relics.

The Legend of the Bleeding Host: In the 13th century, a woman seeking a way to end her husband's infidelity was told by a sorceress to steal a consecrated Host. After taking the Host from the church and wrapping it in her headscarf, it began to bleed. Terrified, she hid it in a trunk at home. During the night, the house was filled with a celestial light and a sweet fragrance. The couple confessed to the priest, and the Host was returned to the church in a solemn procession. Later, the relic was found miraculously encased in a crystal vial, where it is still venerated today by pilgrims from all over the world.

Porta do Sol Garden & Viewpoint The "Sun Gate" is the most beautiful viewpoint in the city, offering a sprawling view of the Tagus River and the fertile plains (lezírias). From here you can overlook the Ribeira neighbourhood and, near the river, the Santa Iria monument which marks the spot where her body rests, according to legend.

Santa Iria Church (Igreja de Santa Iria) Currently closed to the public. This church housed the famous Christ of Mont’iraz, a rare 13th-century wooden sculpture, now on display at the Diocesan Museum. It features beautiful 17th-century tiles and a ceiling painted in trompe l’oeil.

The Legend of Saint Iria: Iria was a beautiful nun in Nabância. After rejecting the advances of both a knight named Britaldo and a monk named Remígio, the latter took revenge by giving her a potion that made her look pregnant. Believing he was betrayed, Britaldo had her killed and thrown into the Nabão River. Her body eventually floated into the Tagus at Santarém, where it was found inside a miraculous alabaster tomb revealed by receding waters.

The Miracle of Queen Saint Isabel: In 1295, Queen Saint Isabel (the Holy Queen) visited the site. Upon her prayer, the waters of the Tagus parted once more to reveal the alabaster tomb of Saint Iria. A pedestal was built so the location would never be forgotten, even when the waters rose.

The Alcáçova Circuit is a journey designed for the discovery and enjoyment of the cultural heritage within the ancient Citadel (Alcáçova) of Santarém. It highlights the ancestral marks left by human occupation in this territory.

In this privileged natural setting, visitors are invited to follow a sequential path through structures, buildings, and landscapes that reveal human activity from the Bronze Age to the present day. This 1,000-meter circuit includes fifteen notable points of interest—eleven inside the Portas do Sol Garden and four in the surrounding area—all identified with specific signage.

Roman Cisterns - Ancient Roman reservoirs used for storing rainwater. (Note: For safety reasons, the cisterns are closed to the public and access is strictly prohibited.)

Alfange Postern (Postigo do Alfange)- One of the gates within the walled perimeter of Santarém Castle. It served a strictly military purpose as part of the Wall-walk (or Chemin de ronde). Historically sealed—likely during the Liberal Wars—it served as a garden storage space until it was reopened during restoration efforts in 1936.

Walls and wall-walk (Muralha e Caminho de Ronda) - The fortified structure of the Alcáçova overlooking the Tagus River.

The Sun Gate (Porta do Sol) One of the two main entrances to Santarém Castle, documented since 1221. It was once adjacent to the St. Michael Hermitage, which housed a 14th-century bust of King Afonso Henriques (now kept in the Carmo Museum). Over the centuries, its military structure was modified. In 1882, iron railings were replaced by stone walls, and in 1939, the eastern section was moved back about eight meters to reinforce the fortifications. Its breath-taking views led the writer Miguel Torga to remark: "Ribatejo should be contemplated from the Portas do Sol in Santarém on a day of floods."

Monument to Afonso Henriques A bronze replica of the 1887 statue placed in Guimarães. The second replica is to be found in Lisbon’s castle. The statue was the work of a famous Portuguese sculptor: António Soares dos Reis. It was inaugurated in 1999 to commemorate the 850th anniversary of the Christian Reconquest of the city.

The "Conquest of Santarém" Tiled Bench A ceramic composition depicting the "Capture of Santarém from the Moors by King Afonso Henriques." Produced by the Sacavém Pottery Factory, it was gifted to the city in 1932 as part of the garden's beautification project.

Monument to the Unknown Soldier A tribute to those who fell during World War I. Created by sculptor Artur Anjos Teixeira, it was inaugurated on April 9, 1932.

The Lezíria Belvedere - a landmark offering panoramic views over the Lezírias, the fertile plains of the Tagus.

Hexagonal Tiled Bench A cement and brick structure covered in figurative tiles by A. Ribeiro (Santana Factory, 1936). It was part of the park's modernization when it was still named after "D. Afonso Henriques Park.”

Portas do Sol Garden Spanning approximately 18,000 m², this garden originated from an 1882 project. Development continued through the early 20th century, adding the swan lake (1901), a tree nursery (1910), and modern lighting. By 1936, the park received new landscaping and revivalist iron railings typical of the Estado Novo era. Today, it is a world-renowned landmark and a psychological "balcony" over the entire region.

St. Mary of the Alcáçova Church Founded in 1154 on the site of a Roman building, this church served as a Royal Chapel from the mid-13th century until 1834. The current structure dates to the 17th–18th centuries. Interior Highlights: Ten Tuscan columns, stone arches, and 18th-century tiles depicting the Litany of the Virgin Mary. Traces of earlier 17th-century tiles remain near the triumphal arch.

Passos Canavarro House-Museum Once owned by the Lord of the Desertas Islands, this residence was acquired in 1841 by the liberal statesman Manuel da Silva Passos. The famous writer Almeida Garrett stayed here. He describes the exceptional landscape seen from this residence in his novel Viagens na Minha Terra—the foundational work of Portuguese Romanticism. The museum houses a vast historical collection gathered by Pedro Canavarro, reflecting his life in both the West and the East.

Alcáçova House & Roman Temple Podium A 17th-century manor house later adapted for "Tourism in Heritage Houses." It has deep links to the poet Bocage, who stayed here in 1793. 8 The Podium: Located in the front garden, this is a National Monument. It is the podium of a Roman temple dating back to the late 1st century BC—the most significant Roman structure found in the Alcáçova to date. It measures approximately 15 x 15 meters and was built in opus caementicium.

Santiago Gate (Porta de Santiago) First mentioned in 1249, this was the main gate of Santarém Castle. It features a Gothic arch where images of the Virgin Mary and saints were once venerated. Of the seven original medieval gates of Santarém, only two remain: Porta do Sol and Porta de Santiago. Today, it is a significant landmark as it is crossed daily by pilgrims walking the Way of St. James (Caminho de Santiago).

This trail explores the southern edge of the Santo António Plateau, starting and ending at the "Algar do Pena" Cave Underground Interpretation Center, one of the crown jewels of this Natural Park.

The route passes through an area of intense quarrying activity, particularly visible in the final stretch, where the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park (PNSAC) has been leading quarry restoration projects. A constant feature of the landscape are the dry-stone walls, built from stones cleared to reach arable soil. On the Santo António Plateau, these organic-shaped enclosures, known as chousos, primarily serve to retain cattle—a significant local economic activity thanks to the excellent natural pastures. Scattered throughout the territory, you will find small clusters of three or four traditional stone houses.

For those heading east near Cortiçal, a short 500-meter detour allows a visit to the original house that gave rise to the current village.

The final part of the trail is rich in karst landscape phenomena, such as limestone pavements (lapiás) and sinkholes (dolinas), especially near Covão dos Porcos, a curious cluster of traditional stone houses

Underground Interpretation Center – Algar do Pena (CISGAP) Discovered in 1985 during quarrying work in Vale do Mar (Alcanede), the Algar do Pena Cave boasts a magnificent underground landscape, including the largest cave chamber currently known in Portugal. Combining scientific interest with educational value, this singular example of national speleological heritage became the site of Portugal's first Underground Interpretation Center.

Algar da Aderneira Inside a small stone enclosure (chouso), the grated mouth of the Algar da Aderneira stands as a testament to the early 20th-century hydrogeological studies of the Alviela spring conducted by Swiss expert Ernest Fleury. Note: For safety reasons, exploring this cavity is not advised. The cave is named after the aderno (Phillyrea latifolia L.), a common shrub in the park’s flora.

Traditional Architecture: Covão dos Porcos Covão dos Porcos is one of many scattered settlements on the Plateau. The term "covão" refers to a topographically depressed area where the geomorphology allows for more fertile soil, which historically attracted human settlement. Although largely abandoned today, these sites preserve the traditional dry-stone architecture, including main houses equipped with clay-tile water collection systems, adjacent cisterns, and threshing floors (eiras).

Lapiás and Maroiços In the heart of the Santo António Plateau, near Covão dos Porcos, an intricate web of paths lined with dry-stone walls forms the chousos. You will also find maroiços—small mounds of stones resulting from land clearing. These are common throughout the Plateau and are particularly well-represented along this trail. Alongside these mounds, lapiás (limestone pavements) are a constant feature as you climb toward Covão dos Porcos.

Sinkholes (Dolinas) Dolinas are fundamental features of karst systems: roughly circular depressions ranging from 1 to 1,000 meters in width and up to 300 meters in depth. About 50 meters from the path on the left, you can see two sinkholes perfectly enclosed by stone walls (chousos).

Pias (Stone Troughs) In a region where water is scarce, pias represent a traditional way of using natural rock cavities formed by water erosion. These were historically waterproofed with a mixture of lime and olive oil and covered with stone slabs to keep the water clean. Their importance is highlighted by the protective stone walls often built around them.

This route leads to the discovery of the millennial relationship between the landscape and the life of this historical city. At the starting point, located in the Jardim da República, there is easy parking and various cafeteria and restaurant services.

Do not miss a visit to the Municipal Market, located next to the garden, as its tile panels lead to a journey through time through the landscapes and the lives of the people depicted here in their daily routines. Starting from the bandstand located in the middle of the garden, and having the parking lot on your left side, go straight ahead crossing the entire garden to the courtyard of the former Convent of São Francisco. Its church, classified as a National Monument, is considered the most beautiful manifestation of Gothic art in the country prior to the construction of the Batalha Monastery, and the most evident analogies seem to be found in works from the ancient Crown of Aragon, today on Spanish soil.

Facing the entrance portico, descend the staircase to your right and immediately turn left, continuing straight ahead for about four hundred meters. On your right side, you can see the Church of Santa Clara, classified as a National Monument, and a few meters ahead, turn right and descend in a straight line the various flights of the wide staircase that ends at the Calçada de Santa Clara. Descend to the Ribeira de Santarém. It is an old road, now paved, with a single upward direction that requires extra attention.

After about four hundred meters, when houses appear on both sides, turn at the first right, descending a staircase that ends next to Largo de Santa Cruz, facing the Church of Santa Cruz, classified as a National Monument. Cross the road to the left, following not the street straight ahead, but Rua de Santa Cruz. Go straight ahead and, after safely 10 crossing the railway line, turn at the first street on the left, where an old gate of the wall of this nucleus existed, then immediately right and again left, walking to the end of the entire Rua Direita de Palhais until the square and fountain with the same name and the medieval Alcorce Bridge. This entire area, called Santa Iria da Ribeira de Santarém, is very old, with two parishes at the end of the 12th century. At the end of the street, turn right, cross the road, and turn right again, continuing straight ahead and keeping a gallery of riverside trees on your left side and the houses on the opposite side. Here it is possible to observe the Sardinian Warbler (Sylvia melanocephala), one of the many species of birds that find shelter and food in this area.

After passing the bandstand and the sports fields, at the end of all the housing, you have access to the banks of the river and can see the monument with the representation of Santa Iria, reconstructed in 1644. Turn right and, immediately, right again. Go straight ahead, crossing the entire square. At the end, turn left and again left, passing the railway line at the same location. When crossing the line, turn left and continue straight ahead along this street parallel to the railway.

Upon arriving at the Church of Santa Iria with Gothic evidence, continue straight ahead going up the street until Rua do Calvário, where a six-hundred-meter section begins, narrow and passing under the D. Luís Bridge, allowing from that point the taking of views over the river and the riparian gallery. The bridge, built between 1876 and 1881, was the first road connection between the North and the South of the country. Upon arriving at Alfange, turn at the first right, and begin the climb to the plateau and the city. After one hundred meters, climb the staircase on your right that gives access to the courtyard of the Church of São João Evangelista. Follow the left side of the church, and continue to climb for another hundred meters, turning right. Here begins a seven-hundred-meter section where you must continue straight ahead until entering the castle wall.

The first three hundred meters are on a paved terrace mid-slope that allows the first views over the fields, river, and its banks, and the remainder along a foot trail on a steeply sloping hillside where the final meters are already on medieval pavement. This section coincides with the ancestral Way of St. James.

After passing the Santiago Gate, go straight ahead and enter the garden. Take the opportunity to rest, explore the many corners, or take advantage of the Portas do Sol viewpoint to simply contemplate the magnificent panoramic view over the Lezíria do Tejo. Upon leaving the garden, follow Avenida 5 de Outubro straight ahead and, after two hundred meters, turn left and descend Travessa da Judiaria; at the end, observe the old wall bastion on the left and take the right which accompanies the side of the Church of Graça, classified as a National Monument and, when the street bifurcates, follow to the left.

Arrived at Largo Pedro Álvares Cabral, continue straight ahead along Rua Braamcamp Freire. In front of the Anselmo Braamcamp Freire House-Museum, peek at the viewpoint with views to the Vale de Torres. After about one hundred and fifty meters, turn right and climb the Milagre stairs up to the square, with the Church of Stº Estevão, a National Monument and sanctuary, known for the Miracle that occurred in the 13th century. Here, turn right to Rua Miguel Bombarda until you find a crossing, known as Canto da Cruz, where you turn right, following now for about one hundred meters the 1º de Dezembro. In the middle of the street, you pass the Misericórdia Church, classified as a National Monument. At the end, flank on the left the Church of Nª Sr.ª de Marvila, classified as a National Monument, dating from the 12th century, nicknamed the "cathedral of 17th-century tile" due to its magnificent tile coating, turning immediately right and, after one hundred meters, again left. At this point, you have the Torre das Cabaças and the Church of S. João de Alporão, classified as a National Monument, adjacent.

Continue to the end of Rua Passos Manuel and you will find in a corner on the left the Carmo stairs. At the end of these, the location of the former Atamarma Gate is marked on the pavement, which connects the pavement and valley of the same name to the core of Ribeira.

You must continue straight ahead, climbing, keeping the houses on your left side and the city walls on the right. Follow the curves of the wall for about two hundred and fifty meters on Rua Luís de Camões, peek at the viewpoint. Continue and at the bifurcation, descending, make the detour to the Fonte das Figueiras, a Gothic fountain that is a unique national monument, via the Calçada das Figueiras, with attention to the crossing of the National Road. Return the same way, climb to the left, and after a few meters climb the Travessa das Figueiras stairs.

At the end, turn right and immediately left. You have reached Praça Sá da Bandeira, the main square of Santarém from which the main commercial arteries of the historical center depart. Having the Cathedral (Sé) in front of you, exit the square by the street on the right, passing next to the Church of Nª Srª da Piedade, cross the road and you are back at the starting point.

CONVENT OF SÃO FRANCISCO Founded in 1242 by the Franciscan Order, it presents an austere typology, common in this mendicant Order, of which its church is a faithful example. Over the centuries, the complex was successively enhanced with decorative elements of great quality, such as the Renaissance arch of the Chapel of Santa Ana or the high choir, which is why the monastery became the royal pantheon of King Fernando in the 14th century. The façade features a Gothic portal with horseshoe arches and carved capitals. The church and cloisters were classified in 1917 as a National Monument. The courtyard and Jardim da República, formerly the Queen's walk, were requalified in 2010.

SARDINIAN WARBLER (SYLVIA MELANOCEPHALA) Easy to observe, it measures about 13 cm in length and shows differences in plumage. The male has a black head with a red orbital ring and the upper part in shades of gray. The female is similar but in shades of brown and has a white underside with gray flanks. The difference in colors between the sexes is called sexual dimorphism. Present in the Iberian Peninsula, Mediterranean islands, North Africa, and the Canaries, it can be observed in areas with woods, orchards, cork oak forests, hedges, and salt marshes. In this area, it has a greater presence near the Tagus River and riparian galleries.

PORTAS DO SOL VIEWPOINT Considered the "visitor's room" of the city of Santarém, the Garden is situated in the ancient Alcáçova or Moorish castle. Surrounded by the old medieval wall, it allows a panoramic view over the Tagus River, the Ribeira de Santarém, the Ribatejana Lezíria, cultivated fields, and the urban centers of Almeirim and Alpiarça, located on the left bank of the river. Here there are vestiges of various eras and the Urbi Scallabis – Interpretation Center (USCI), where you can follow the evolution of the city's history. Near the entrance of the garden is the Church of Santa Maria da Alcáçova, built by the knights of the Order of the Temple in the second half of the 12th century after the conquest of Santarém from the Moors.

CHURCH OF GRAÇA AND LARGO PEDRO ÁLVARES CABRAL A National Monument, the Church of Saint Augustine, commonly known as Graça, is a large Gothic-style monument built by the initiative of the Augustinians of Lisbon, established in the city since 1376. The main façade is in flamboyant Gothic, with a scenographic portal topped by a huge rose window. The interior has a tripartite head and the naves follow the conceptions of mendicant Gothic. Here are the tombs of Pedro Álvares Cabral, discoverer of Brazil, and D. Pedro de Meneses, the 1st governor of Ceuta. In the square, a statue pays homage to this great navigator and the Casa do Brasil.

PRAÇA SÁ DA BANDEIRA One of the busiest squares in the city hosts several complexes of religious architecture. Dominating the space is the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição and Cathedral. Built as a Jesuit College in the 17th century, it became a seminary upon their expulsion from Portugal by the Marquis of Pombal. The diocesan museum is located in this building. At one of the entrances to the square, the Church of Nª Sr.ª de Marvila, built as a thank you for the Portuguese victory in the Restoration wars, with an unusual octagonal dome. In the center, the statue of the Marquis Sá da Bandeira, founder of the Army School and current Military Academy.