Monuments

For anyone coming from Almeirim and entering the city of Santarém, we suggest taking a moment´s rest beside the delightful Fonte das Figueiras. This fountain is considered to be one of the rare examples of Gothic civil architecture still to be found in Portugal.

Dating from the 14th century, the fountain consists of a simple porch crowned with pyramid shaped merlons, in the form of three pointed arches, perfectly integrated into a section of the wall that was used to defend the city, and a tank, where the riverside residents could wash their clothes. The front is decorated with the royal coat of arms, as a reminder of the royal patronage afforded to municipal works.

It is strategically situated on the road that led to the city inside the walls and is frequently referred to in the documents of that time. Although the fig-trees (figueiras) that gave the fountain its name have since been replaced by another type of vegetation, it is still an extremely restful spot.
Image by Regional Tourist Office of Ribatejo / Maurício Abreu