Salt Worker For a Day

The district of Santarém corresponds practically with the region of Ribatejo. The fertile Ribatejo of Lezíria do Vale do Tejo, equestrian culture and the main moments in the history of Portugal in which Santarém has always been present. But also in the most mountainous and winding areas to the north of the district, with very different characteristics. Dubbed the “Capital of the Gothic”, the city of Santarém is a “Book of Stone” (Almeida Garrett) with multiple churches and temples laden with history, surrounded by the city’s medieval walls, most expressive in Jardim das Portas do Sol, with views magnificent views over the Tagus and Lezíria. The mysterious knights of the Order of the Templars have also left a notorious legacy here, with a more evident expression in Tomar and, in the spiritual aspect, Santarém is a central region in the itineraries of pilgrimages to Fátima and Santiago de Compostela. Here, gastronomy, wines and horses have relevant demonstrations, reflected in national events and renowned products. And if all of this already identifies Santarém well, we will then go close to Rio Maior to experience the various aspects associated with the life of salt mariners in the salt marshes, from “watering the butchery”, the making of the “pyramid mounds” of salt, up to harvesting the fleur de sel, with the possibility to choose and pack the salt itself.