To Do in Santarém
With a colorful history that claims 3,000 years of habitation, it is hard to take in all of Santarém in day. The absolute best way to explore this city is to park the car, walk slowly, and duck into every opening you see! The many churches represent different periods of growth and prominence. For a great example of Gothic architecture the Church of Graca's facade is a must see. The beautiful Baroque Church of the Seminario, is the center of the old quarter in every way.
No trip to Santarém is complete without a walk through the Jardim das Portas do Sol. If you have time for a picnic or a cafe, even better. The garden is perfectly framed by the old citadel wall and offers many lookouts over the surrounding countryside. It is easy to see why Emperor Julius Caesar built the administrative headquarters for his Roman legions in Santarem. Sitting in the gardens today, overlooking the snaking Tagus, it is hard to imagine warring Visigoths or Moors in this place of overwhelming tranquility.