Santarem - antiquity hitting hard times

We arrived in this once proud stronghold of Greeks, Romans, Vandals, Visigoths, Moors then Christians after 210 miles of driving.
Well done Peter and little car.
Actually just picked Santarem as has easy to reach hotel and we think we can get to Algarve tomorrow from here.
So not expecting anything we stroll (up hill) to town. Not a great tourist town but it was very interesting. Who discovered Brazil? He is buried here in the ancient church of Grace....not Vasco da Gama .... Pedro Alvarez Cabral! OK the swots among you knew that.
There is a lovely market building and lots of ancient properties in varying stages of decay...think the vandals have been busy. Lots of empty shops shut in the main streets a testament to the success of online purchasing or a decreasing population. However it was beautiful the main square all cream and white against a dark grey sky.Read more