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View of the mid-19th century boats found at Cais de Santarém, in Lisbon.

View of the mid-19th century boats found at Cais de Santarém, in Lisbon.

Santarem on the Tagus

Filipe Castro

Santarem is an interesting case study of a fluvial landscape that has often been overlooked. The circumstances of its location, on a protected hill, looking over one of the most fertile plains in western Europe, and on the margins of Portugal's largest river, have made Santarem an important city during the Arab period.

This comprehensive study explores Santarém as a fluvial and maritime landscape on the River Tagus, spanning 28 centuries of history from Phoenician occupation to the present. The content has been divided into three parts for easier reading.

Santarem on the Tagus (1)

Introduction, The Project, The City

The history of Santarém from its Phoenician origins through Roman, Visigothic, Islamic, and Christian periods. Includes the city's urban structure and classification of spaces.

Santarem on the Tagus (2)

Defensive Spaces, Bridges, Water Systems

The fortifications, walls, doors, and towers of medieval Santarém. Bridges across the Tagus and the city's water systems including cisterns and fountains.

Santarem on the Tagus (3)

Religious Spaces, The Fluvial Landscape, Submerged Sites

Churches, convents, and temples from various periods. The fluvial landscape and river traffic, submerged archaeological sites, and the "Cais de Santarém" in Lisbon.