Roman Bridge of Ponte de Lima
The Roman Bridge is believed to have been built during the 1st century AD, during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. It served as a vital crossing point over the Lima River.
It was constructed using local granite in solid arches, spanning approximately 200 meters.
With careful maintenance, it is still in use.
Santo António da Torre Velha
at the end of the bridge is this Church (re)built in the transition from the 19th century. 18 to 19, in late-baroque style
According to SIPA, it presents the same principle of articulation of spaces as the Church and Torre dos Clérigos, in Porto, on a reduced scale.
Chapel of the Guardian Angel
Located next to the Roman bridge, this strange construction also named “Padrão de São Miguel”, is a 13th century chapel that was rehabilitated after being destroyed by a flood.
Misericórdia
The former complex of the Church and hospital of Misericórdia was divided in two due to works to improve the streets, but, although important parts were lost, some interesting parts were still preserved, namely the Baroque portal.
Santa Maria dos Anjos
The church dates back to the 13th century, making it one of the oldest in town. It underwent various renovations and expansions over the centuries, resulting in a blend of architectural styles.
It shows a mix of Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance architectural elements with simple design, a beautiful portal and a bell tower. Inside, you can find impressive woodwork, carved altarpieces, including the main altarpiece, which is an example of Manueline artistry.
Paços do Marquês
Built in the 15th century, the Alcaide Palace, generally called Paço do Marquês, is one of the oldest buildings in the city. With Gothic and Manueline architecture, it was recovered and is now a museum.
Pillory
As usual in all the cities with medieval history, you can find a pillory that is located in the town’s main square, Largo de Camões. TIt is a granite column with a cylindrical shape and a capital on top. It is decorated with intricate carvings and architectural details.
Praça Camões
The Praça de Camões holds historical significance as it has been the main square of Ponte de Lima for centuries. It has witnessed important events and served as a central meeting point for the community. Today, with the development of tourism, it is a place of intense life, surrounded by several excellent restaurants.
Scattered art
The love of the inhabitants for their city is visible, and the care of its leaders in improving its tourist attractiveness.
Several modern artistic manifestations, permanent or temporary, spread along the banks of the river, with manifest good taste.
O Confrade – Good restaurant
O Confrade – Good restaurant
Well placed in the noble area of town, and with a strong image, we were not surprised by the long lines, in a very touristy day – a sunny first of May.We joined the lines, and they promised us a table in the esplanade – “excellent”, we thought.
Well, we had our table in the esplanade, but in the extremity, already in the back, with two inconvenient – no view, and the long distance from the kitchen promising the slow service that we had.
The menu had many typical dishes, hard to chose, but I opted by “Arroz de sarrabulho”, a typical rice, while Fernanda chose codfish.
We were presented with tons of food. Demanding a box, we invited half of the codfish to come with us, and it was my dinner at home.
The rice was delicious, and came with a few more typical things – rojões, farinhento, negrito, whatsoever…
A good lunch, in a festive city living a festive day.
Address: Mercado Municipal Loja 1,, Passeio 25 de Abril Phone: +351 258 753 609
Facebook: Restaurant
Rojões
ROJÕES COM SARRABULHO
Too complex to be done at home, you’d better try it in location, in Minho, if possible in Ponte de Lima, where it seems to have been created
Where to eat
This is the most typical dish of Minho, a region in the top north of Portugal. It’s a very strong dish, whose ingredients have a peculiar taste. The rice “de sarrabulho” is the best for me.
I remember two good experiences:
Toca do caçador, in Terras do Bouro
O Confrade, in Ponte do Lima
Good company
