Santarem: Gothic Churches and Tagus Views

Santarém, the capital of the Ribatejo region, sits on a bluff above the River Tagus. It’s known as the capital of Portuguese Gothic for its many medieval churches, and its viewpoint over the river plains is one of the best in central Portugal. It’s an easy day trip from Lisbon.

Quick answer: Santarém is about 1 hour north-east of Lisbon by train or car. Walk to the Portas do Sol garden for views over the Tagus, visit the Gothic churches, including Graça, and explore the old town. The region is known for horses, bulls and hearty food. See places to stay in Santarém.

Why go

Santarém sees far fewer visitors than Sintra or Óbidos, yet it packs a lot into a small, walkable centre. For centuries it was one of the most important towns in the kingdom, and the churches left behind are the proof. Add a sweeping view over the flat green plains of the Tagus, and the farming culture of horses, bulls and herders, and you get a very Portuguese day out.

Things to do

• Portas do Sol: a garden on the old walls with sweeping views over the Tagus.
• Igreja da Graça: a Gothic church with a beautiful rose window. It holds the tomb of Pedro Álvares Cabral, who reached Brazil.
• The cathedral and other historic churches.
• The old town: narrow streets and squares.
• Food: sopa da pedra (stone soup) from nearby Almeirim and Ribatejo wines.

Portas do Sol

This garden sits inside what’s left of the old castle walls, at the edge of the plateau. From the walls you look straight down to the river and across miles of fields and wetlands. It’s the best spot in town, so take your time. Allow 30 minutes to an hour.

Igreja da Graça

This church from the early 15th century is one of the finest Gothic buildings in the town. Look up at the front for the large stone rose window. Inside, it’s plain and calm, and holds the tomb of Pedro Álvares Cabral, the navigator who reached Brazil in 1500. Allow about 20 minutes.

The cathedral (Sé)

Santarém’s cathedral is not medieval. It was built in the 17th century as a Jesuit church and later became the cathedral. The inside is richly decorated with gilded carved wood and marble. The Diocesan Museum in the building next door shows around 150 pieces of religious art. Allow 30 minutes for both.

More sights in the old town

• Torre das Cabaças: a medieval clock tower, named after the clay gourds once hung at the top. It now houses a small museum about time.
• São João de Alporão: a Romanesque church with an early Gothic apse, one of the first Gothic works in Portugal, now used as a museum of art and archaeology.
• Igreja do Santíssimo Milagre: a pilgrimage church linked to a 13th-century Eucharistic miracle.

Opening hours for the churches and small museums vary and some close at lunchtime or on Mondays, so check before you go.

Getting there

• By train: CP trains run from Lisbon (Oriente and Santa Apolónia) many times a day. The fastest take about 35 minutes, while regional trains are slower. Santarém station is down by the river, below the town. It’s a steep climb, so most people take a local bus or a taxi up to the centre.
• Town buses: Scalabus town buses link the station with the bus terminal near the centre. Some lines run on weekdays only, so at weekends a taxi is often easier.
• By car: about 65 km from Lisbon on the A1, so roughly an hour. Park near the centre and explore on foot.
• By bus: Rede Expressos coaches also link Lisbon and Santarém.

See day trips from Lisbon by train.

How long to spend

Half a day covers the main sights. A full day lets you add lunch and a slow walk round the old town, or a side trip.

A suggested day

• Morning: train from Lisbon, then up to the centre. Visit the cathedral and the Torre das Cabaças.
• Lunch: hearty Ribatejo food.
• Afternoon: Igreja da Graça, São João de Alporão, then Portas do Sol for the view as the light softens.

On the Camino

Santarém is a stop on the Portuguese Way to Santiago de Compostela from Lisbon. You’ll see yellow arrows on the walls and walkers with backpacks in the old town, and some guesthouses cater for pilgrims. See the Camino Português.

Food

The Ribatejo is farming country and the food is generous. The famous dish is sopa da pedra, a thick bean soup with sausages and pork, linked to the town of Almeirim just across the river. Look out for river fish, roast meats and Tejo wines from the surrounding vineyards. Pampilhos are the town’s traditional sweet. See what to eat in Portugal.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking. Summers in the Tagus valley can be very hot. Two big events are worth knowing:

• Feira Nacional de Agricultura: the country’s biggest agricultural fair, held every June at the CNEMA showground together with the Feira do Ribatejo, which dates back to 1954. Expect livestock, horses and Ribatejo traditions.
• Festival Nacional de Gastronomia: Portugal’s oldest food festival, with cooking from all over the country, usually from late October into early November. In 2026 it runs from 22 October to 1 November at the Casa do Campino.

Hotels fill up during both events, so book early if your dates overlap.

Nearby

• Tomar: see Tomar.
• Fátima: see Fátima.
• Almourol Castle: a castle on an island in the Tagus. See Almourol Castle.
• Almeirim: a short drive across the river, for a bowl of sopa da pedra in its home town.

FAQ

Is Santarém worth visiting?

Yes, if you like history and quiet towns. It has some of the best Gothic churches in Portugal, a superb river view and far fewer crowds than the big sights near Lisbon.

How do you get from Lisbon to Santarém?

Take a CP train from Oriente or Santa Apolónia. The fastest take about 35 minutes. The station is below the town, so take a town bus or a taxi up the hill.

How long do you need in Santarém?

Half a day is enough for Portas do Sol, the Graça church and the cathedral. Stay for lunch if you want to try sopa da pedra.

When is the Santarém food festival?

The Festival Nacional de Gastronomia usually runs from late October into early November. The 2026 edition runs from 22 October to 1 November.

More: the best day trips from Lisbon and Portuguese soups.

Some links in this guide are affiliate or referral links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com, Discover Cars, Welcome Pickups, Airalo, Yesim, Saily, Tiqets, Radical Storage, EKTA, AirHelp, Uber). If you book or sign up through them we may earn a small commission or ride credit at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our groups and this site free.