Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Largo Zeferino Sarmento; 9am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm)
This archaeological museum is
housed in the enchanting 12th-century Igreja de São João de Alporão. Among the stone
carvings,
azulejos
and rotating exhibits is the elaborate tomb of Dom Duarte de Menezes,
who died in 1464 in a battle against the Moors in North Africa. It's quite grand - espe-
cially considering that once the Moors had finished with him, all that was left for burial
was a tooth!
Convento de São Francisco
(Rua 31 de Janeiro; admission €2; 9am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm Sun-Thu, to 10pm Fri & Sat)
This restored
13th-century Franciscan monastery is a fine example of Portuguese Gothic. Especially
lovely is the cloister, with graceful twinned columns and arches. It's also a venue for tem-
porary exhibitions.
MONASTERY
Igreja de Marvila
(Largo de Marvila; 9am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm)
Dating from the 12th century but with 16th-cen-
tury additions, this endearing little church has a fine, twisted Manueline doorway, while
the interior is completely awash in brilliant, dramatically patterned
azulejos
dating from
the 17th century.
CHURCH
Igreja da Santa Maria Graça
CHURCH
(Largo Pedro Álvares Cabral; 9am-12:30pm & 2-5.30pm)
This early-15th-century church, with its
delicately carved facade of multilayered arches, is a jewel. Inside, a rose window spills
light across the beautifully spare interior of stone columns and white walls. Note the
tombs of Pedro Álvares Cabral (the 'discoverer' of Brazil, who lived in Santarém) and
Dom Pedro de Menezes. The de Menezes family founded the church, which explains Dom
Pedro's more elaborate tomb.
Festivals & Events
Feira Nacional da Agricultura
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