If you are looking for a route through the Romanesque monuments, know that the Castle of Arnóia is one of the most sought after and visited.
Located in the municipality of Celorico de Basto, it is close to the exceptional farm house, Casa do Penedo, recommended for families and small groups (you can book here)
In this accommodation in Celorico de Basto, the owners help plan and advise what to visit on the Romanesque Route according to your preferences, that of your family or small group of friends.
Contents on this blog post
Romanesque Route map
At Casa do Penedo, we will be happy to provide you with a map of the Route of the Romanesque, you just need to send an email after booking, making this request.
We can help with suggestions about the Romanesque Route in Portugal, namely what to visit.
Note that the Route of the Romanesque in Portugal is popularly divided into 3 routes, thus having:
» Romanesque Route Vale do Sousa
» Romanesque Route Amarante (Tâmega)
» Douro Valley Romanesque Route
For any of them, at accommodation in Celorico de Basto, Casa do Penedo, we can provide a map of the Route of the Romanesque and give suggestions on the monuments to visit, and we have already made a selection that we will go into further, starting with the Castle of Arnóia.
How is the Castle of Arnóia?
With an unusual and caricature history that dates back to the 11th century, the Castle of Arnóia stands on top of a granitic stone elevation, which gave defenders a privileged view over the surrounding plains for better defense.
The geometric form of the walls construction is irregular due to the constraints of the terrain, whose limited space gives the Castle of Arnóia a reduced dimension.
Built in granite, the Keep, as well as the entrance and access to the Arms Square, is located on the south side. At the top of the Keep you can access the roof with a generous view of the surrounding plain and also of the Pelourinho and the turret in the northern part of the castle, where the gallows were also installed.
The cistern that supplied the castle and the surrounding houses is located in the center of the parade ground.
The Castle of Arnóia has many legends and narratives throughout its millennial history, the best known of which is probably that of Martim Vasques da Cunha, mayor of the castle in the 13th century, who, in order to settle a dispute with the king D. Dinis and free himself from obligations to the Spanish crown, descended by a basket suspended from a rope tied to the battlements after setting fire to one of the rooms in the Castle of Arnóia.
Ponte do Arco Marco de Canaveses, why visit?
Another Romanesque Route monument that guests staying at the Casa do Penedo holiday home (which you can book here) usually visit is the Ponte do Arco, located in Marco de Canaveses, one of the most iconic monuments of the Romanesque Route of Tâmega and Sousa.
This single-arch bridge crosses the Ovelha River, with clear and tepid waters in summer, which invite you to take a dip in this place of beautiful fields and views.
What is most impressive is the ability of Roman architects to build bridges, as the Ponte do Arco withstood almost a century of passage of heavy trucks and tractors, as well as centuries of stone theft.
It is currently a pedestrian bridge that also allows the passage of bicycles, also serving as a jumping board for the Ovelha river.
This work of constructive ingenuity served as an inspiration for Gothic bridges, due to the strength and security that the ends placed on the banks gave in terms of strength and balance.
Which monuments to visit on the Romanesque Route of Vale do Sousa?
The Portuguese Romanesque Route is divided into three routes, and in the one of Vale do Sousa, more specifically in the municipality of Lousada, it is possible to find 3 of the most visited monuments:
» Torre de Vilar – framed in a beautiful green space with a surrounding park area, it is the remnant of a military construction that testifies to the lordly power that prevailed over the territory for countless centuries.
» Ponte de Vilela – with a central board made up of four round arches, it is possibly part of a late medieval monument. A good surrounding park for being with the family, with tables and a public bathroom enhance the surrounding landscape.
» Espindo Bridge – built with only one round arch is curious about the fact that it was dismantled to stop the advance of the 2nd French Invasion in Portugal. It is located in the parish of Meinedo in a beautiful natural setting.
These 3 monuments are almost a “mini” Romanesque Route of Lousada, and, in this municipality, there are other monuments included in the Route.
In the rural tourism Casa do Penedo (which you can book here) by the suggestion of our guests, we also recommend the visit to the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro, located in Felgueiras and dedicated to the devotion of the Virgin Mary.
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro, which currently combines the religious spectrum with a cultural function, is a good example of Romanesque architecture with Baroque influences.
We also suggest a visit to the Monastery of São Pedro de Cête, a great icon of Romanesque architecture dating from the 10th century.
From a male monastery rebuilt in the 14th century, it was converted into a parish church.
Which are the monuments of the Romanesque Route near Celorico de Basto?
Church of Santa Maria de Veade
Built in the 13th century, it succeeds a small hermitage that used to exist in that place, keeping only a part of Romanesque architecture and many secrets...
Address: Parish of Veade, Celorico de Basto
Telephone: + 351 255 810 706
Church of the Divine Savior of Ribas
From a late Romanesque era, it succeeds a small monastery in Ribas dos Cónegos Regulares de Santo Agostinho. The pearl motifs on the outside and inside the church stand out.
Address: Parish of Ribas, Celorico de Basto
Telephone: + 351 253 655 266
Church of the Divine Savior in Fervença
It maintains the Romanesque apse and respective arch, having been greatly transformed over the centuries, and the chancel remains from the Romanesque architecture.
Address: Parish of Fervença, Celorico de Basto
Guests at Casa do Penedo, recommended for families and groups (you can book here) usually also visit
Romanesque Interpretation Center
Address: Praça das Pocinhas 107, 4620-657 Lousada
Telephone: + 351 255 810 706
Highlight: Interactive room
Romanesque Sculpture Interpretation Center
Address: Parish of Abragão, Penafiel
Telephone: + 351 255 810 708
Highlight: Detailed presentation on Romanesque Sculpture
For additional information, book the Casa do Penedo holiday home here, and we will be happy to personalize your stay with us :)
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