Buy House in Santarém

Perched on a ridge overlooking the meandering Tagus River, Santarém is a town of immense historical significance. Once renowned as the kingdom's strongest fortress, it held a position of great importance, second only to Lisbon in the country. Its roots can be traced back to the Iron Age, and throughout the ages, Santarém has been shaped by a tapestry of cultures and legends.

Legend has it that Santarém's name originates from the tale of the martyred Saint Iria, whose body washed up on its shores. The settlement was initially named Santa Iria by the Visigoths in her honor, becoming Xantarim under the Moors in the 8th century, and finally Santarém with the Christian reconquest. The town has served as an administrative center for Roman legions under the rule of Mayus Caesar and has been favored by royalty and important visitors throughout history.

From its regal past, Santarém has produced significant figures in Portuguese history. Notable rulers, such as Dom Alfonso IV and Dom João II, established their Royal Courts here in the 14th century, while Henry the Navigator had a vested interest in the local industry. The town is also the resting place of the famous explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral. More recently, Capitão Maia, a hero who played a vital role in ending the Salazar dictatorship in 1974, led troops from Santarém. Even before these notable Portuguese figures, the revered Arab-Andalusian poet Ibn Bassam was born in Santarém, capturing the area's beauty through his poetry and referring to it as the "last town in the west" during a time of Christian invasions.

Beyond its historical significance, Santarém's majestic position above the lush Alentejan plains lends the town a distinct quality. The breathtaking view from Portas do Sol park allows visitors to appreciate the scenic beauty that surrounds Santarém. Today, Santarém continues to play a crucial role as a center of the important Portuguese agricultural area. The annual 10-day agricultural fair, Feira de Ribatejo, held in June, showcases the region's produce, folk dances, music, and the famous bullfights and bull-running that have become synonymous with this area. Another fair in May celebrates the rich variety of locally-sourced gastronomic delights, highlighting the bounty of the fertile land that envelops the town.

Moving to Santarém means immersing oneself in a town that seamlessly blends its storied past with the natural beauty of its surroundings. You can explore the echoes of history through its ancient streets and monuments while relishing the agricultural traditions that thrive to this day. Santarém offers a unique lifestyle where you can savor the flavors of locally-sourced cuisine, witness vibrant cultural events, and be enchanted by the breathtaking landscapes that stretch as far as the eye can see.

In Santarém, history, nature, and community come together to create an unparalleled living experience. Embrace the allure of this historical gem, where past and present intertwine, and create a home in a town that has witnessed the footsteps of legends and the beauty of nature for centuries.