Exploring Ponte de Lima | Casa do Picouto

Heritage

Ponte de Lima was founded in the twelfth century by D. Teresa. It is considered the Portugal’s oldest village. When it was founded (“foral” dated 1125) D. Teresa established a market every fortnight which still takes place these days by the river Lima along the village’s urban front.

In Ponte de Lima the medieval marks can be seen on the remaining walls; on the bridge crossing the river, built from another Roman bridge that provided a ground connection for the village, and serving, as it still does, as mandatory passage for pilgrims heading to Santiago de Compostela. The main church is also medieval, as are some public buildings, hermitages and fountains. Some churches and noble houses bear the marks of the baroque apogee and others depict the great changes of the nineteenth and twentieth century. Contemporary interventions have been trying to preserve and interpret architectural and landscape historical heritage, one of Ponte de Lima’s highlights.

The river, a standing element, is the reference point and straightening mainstream of the village. Up to the beginning of the twentieth century it was an active communication way, connecting the village with the urban centres in the Lima Valley.

A great deal of these tangible and intangible legacy, symbolizing the collective memory of the Lima people can still be admired and enjoyed and there’s nothing better than a long walk through Ponte de Lima’s historical centre to explore what history tells about this place and its people.

STORIES THAT YOU CAN TELL ALONG A WALK THROUGH PONTE DE LIMA

ARNADO THEME PARK

Recreation of gardens from different historical dates

Arcozelo, by the Cahpel of Santo António and the Medieval Bridge

MUSEUM OF TERCEIROS

SACRED ART MUSEUM

AV. 5 DE OUTUBRO – PONTE DE LIMA (+351) 258 240 220

portuguese toy museum

CASA DO ARNADO

RUA DA ALEGRIA.

4990-154 ARCOZELO PONTE DE LIMA

(+351) 258 240 210

Nature

The rural characteristic and the environmental qualities of Ponte de Lima offer unique landscapes integrating protected areas such as “Lagoas de Bertiandos” (Bertiandos lakes), a space providing multiple entertainment and environmental interpretation activities.

A set of eco paths and rural paths are available along 70 km by the river Lima and are suitable for walks, and bicycle and horse rides.

Sports activities such as canoeing, cycling, mountain activities can take place all year round.

Golf and horse riding are a complement to the varied offer of open air activities.

Protected area of “Lagoas de Bertiandos e S. Pedro de Arcos” – Environmental Interpretation Centre

4990 – 530 ARCOS – PONTE DE LIMA

(+351) 258 240 201 (+351) 258 240 238

Planeta Lima Outdoor Adventure

RUA D. MANUEL I, Nº47 – PONTE DA BARCA

JOÃO DAVIDE: 966 319 263

HUGO CERQUEIRA: (+351) 966 537 020

JOÃO PEREIRA: (+351) 966 648 817

Axis Golfe Ponte de Lima

QUINTA DAS PIAS – FORNELOS 4990-620 PONTE DE LIMA

(+351) 258 900250

Centro Equestre Vale do Lima (equestrian centre)

CENTRO EQUESTRE QUINTA DA SOBREIRA, SERNADOS

4990-351 PONTE DE LIMA

(+351) 258 743 620 (+351) 258 943 873

Festivals & Celebrations

The most famous Celebration in Ponte de Lima is called “Feiras Novas”, closing the year in Minho, on the second weekend in september.

It’s origin dates back to the nineteenth century and merges with the religious celebration in honour of Nossa Senhora das Dores.

For three days the streets of the village are filled with people coming to attend and participate in the celebrations that comprise theme parades and regular entertainment, improvised, including dancers, singers and concertina players who perform all night long for the crowd.

Other festivals & celebrations

“Vaca das Cordas” (ropes cow)

This centuries old tradition, documented since 1646, is celebrated in Ponte de Lima on Corpus Christi’s Eve and still holds pagan characteristics. In fact, the cow is a bull that is led three times around the main church, grabbed by ropes, and then released on the streets of the village towards the sand, by the river. As a demonstration of bravery, some locals try to grab the bull along the way, not always successfully.