The conquest of Santarém in 1147 by Afonso Henriques as depicted on 18th century azulejo tiles in the Alcobaça Monastery.
Afonso Henriques is the founder and first king of Portugal. He is a figure whose legacy is inextricably tied to the nation's early struggles for independence. His reign, which spanned from 1139 to 1185, was defined by his unyielding ambition and strategic brilliance, particularly in the face of the Moorish presence on the Iberian Peninsula.
Among the most celebrated of Afonso's military exploits was his daring conquest of Santarém in 1147, a bold move that played a pivotal role in securing Portugal’s future. The city, a Moorish stronghold situated along the Tagus River, was a prize of immense strategic value. Its fortifications made it a formidable obstacle, but Afonso, ever the tactician, saw an opportunity to expand his kingdom and weaken Moorish control in the region.
In March of that year, Afonso gathered a small but fiercely loyal force—just 250 soldiers, each chosen for their courage and skill. Under the cover of darkness, they approached the city, armed with nothing more than scaling ladders—escalas—which they used to scale the high, impregnable walls. The silence of their movements was key to the success of the mission, as they crept unnoticed past the city’s guards.
Once atop the walls, the small band of men overpowered the defenders in a swift and silent assault, opening the gates to allow the main forces to flood in. By the time dawn broke, Santarém had fallen into Afonso's hands, a stunning victory that displayed not only his military genius but also his unrelenting determination to carve out a kingdom of his own.
This victory was more than just a military achievement; it was a statement of Afonso's resolve and vision for Portugal's future. The fall of Santarém shifted the balance of power in the Reconquista and solidified Afonso's reputation as a leader capable of achieving the impossible. Just months later, he would go on to capture Lisbon, further cementing his control over key territories and paving the way for Portugal's formal independence.
The significance of Santarém's capture cannot be overstated. It was a defining moment in Afonso's campaign to break free from the Kingdom of León and Castile, ultimately leading to Portugal's recognition as an independent kingdom through the Treaty of Zamora in 1143. This victory, along with his subsequent successes, laid the foundation for the nation that would eventually become the Portugal we know today.
Today, Santarém remains a historic city, its legacy forever entwined with the daring spirit of Dom Afonso I, whose conquest of the city remains a proud and enduring chapter in Portuguese history.
Santarém, Portugal.
Alcobaça, Portugal.
