The Igreja de Santa Maria de Marvila was a church that really had to be constructed, due to its symbolic meaning. The church was built in the 12th century, the same century when the Reconquista happened, and the Moors were losing their domain in the territory we now know as Portugal.

Renewal works were made in the 16th century, under the Manueline architectural style. The church now features various blue tiles, the typical Portuguese Azulejos. There are so many Azulejos in this church that it is named “The Cathedral of the Azulejo.”

There are many churches in Santarém, and Igreja de Santa Maria de Marvila is, like many others, worth a visit when in town.