Towns and Villages

About 10 kilometres from Santarém, Cartaxo is a village of very ancient origin, and at the time of the Roman occupation it was an important staging post on the road linking Lisbon to Santarém.

The region is still basically agricultural, and is known for its production of full-bodied red wine, popularly known as "carrascão" (rough wine). The whole tradition associated with its production can be seen in the "Museu Rural e do Vinho" (Rural and Wine Museum) and through the "Rotas do Vinho" (Wine Routes).

The grape harvest festivals in this area are very traditional, as is the "Feira dos Santos" (Fair of All Saints Day), which takes place on 1st November, with a tradition going back at least to the mid-17th century.