Carrazeda de Ansiães
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CARRAZEDA DE ANSIÃES

The town of Carrazeda de Ansiães sits 14km (9 miles) north of the Douro river and is within easy reach of Porto. Let MADABOUTPORTUGAL.COM guide you through the best places to visit, what to see and do, where to eat, top accommodation options and how to get there and get around.

INTRODUCTION TO CARRAZEDA DE ANSIÃES

Carrazeda de Ansiães is a town of two contrasting halves. The new settlement of Carrazeda de Ansiães has little to offer any visitor however a couple of miles south are the ruins of the abandoned medieval walled town, known as Ansiães. Its origins go way back into antiquity. Various megalithic structures within the area indicate human habitation here throughout the Neolithic. There was a Roman settlement here. It was during the Reconquista when Ansiães' importance was firmly established in the creation and defending of a young Portugal.

The area is steeped in tradition, Douro wine is made here and vineyards are in abundance, linearly cut into the landscape. Apple orchards are also found in less exposed areas. The local people are hospitable and friendly and like to keep up traditions and many preserve the regional construction methods using indigenous stone. Gastronomic traditions are also maintained and contain ingredients obtained from the land: river fish and game featuring high on the restaurant menus. Local festivals, the Cantar os Reis held on the 3rd of January and the Festa de Santa Eufémia on August 15–16 are celebrated with great enthusiasm.

THE OLD TOWN WALLS AND CASTLE OF ANSIÃES

Castelo de Ansiães

|  Castelo de Ansiães


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Archaeological research has shown the mount where the castle lies has seen human occupancy for about 5000 years. Much of the foundations of what now can be seen date back to the Moorish occupancy of the area. During the mid-11th century, the Leonean King Ferdinand gave the settlement its first charter. During the Reconquista, the site was of vital strategic importance to the Christian victors who aimed to strengthen their hold on their fledgeling country. From the 12th to the 15th century Ansiães experienced a period of exponential growth and its neighbouring towns became an important centre of trade.

Rising 810 metres above sea level the rampart ruins, whose structure is easy to imagine, include a few areas of interest, such as a small Traitors' Gate alongside the keep tower and remnants of barbicans running along the walls and examples of primitive cisterns. However, as political agendas changed the town's importance fell redundant and the site suffered slow steady abandonment and power was transferred to the neighbouring town of Carrazeda. The site is now deemed a national monument, a reception centre was constructed in 2004 insuring the site remains an insight into medieval life for today's visitors. | 41° 12' 08.7" N | 07° 18' 18.1" W.


Igreja de São Salvador

Just outside the perimeter walls of the castles are the remains of two medieval chapels, the most preserved of which is the 12th-century Igreja de São Salvador. It's widely considered one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture of its kind. The most striking feature is the highly decorated west door, its archway emblazoned with the Apostles, one of whom is thought to be Judas as he seems to have the devil sitting on his lap. It was restored in the 15th century only to be abandoned at the same time as the castle.

CICA - CENTRO INTERPRETATIVO DO CASTELO

Located within the historic area of Carrazeda de Ansiães, the CICA, Interpretative Centre of the Castle of Ansiães allows visitors to come face to face with the history of the municipality. Built within the ruins of a traditional house, the exhibit occupies an open space spread over two floors. Here you'll find archaeological artefacts and a museographic discourse based on ten years of archaeological research carried out throughout the region, in particular from inside the castle and the walled village of Ansiães.

The Castelo de Ansiães Interpretive Centre has an educational service that prepares several thematic workshops and guided tours for schools or groups. It also organises two tourist circuits, the “Circuito Turístico do Castelo e dos Moinhos” and the “Circuito Turístico do Castelo e Douro”, which start in February and end in September. Visits are free as well as participation in tourist routes.

Weekdays: 09h00 - 12h30/13h30 - 17h00, Weekends: Prior Booking Required
Rua Capitão Lobo, 5140-063 Carrazeda de Ansiães, Portugal. | 41° 14' 43.2" N | 07° 18' 01.3" W
+351 278 618 253/278 610 200 | cica@cmca.pt

CICA, Interpretative Centre of the Castle of Ansiães

|  CICA, Interpretative Centre of the Castle of Ansiães

DOLMENS

Anta de Zedes

|  Anta de Zedes

Anta de Zedes

This ancient burial chamber is very well preserved, its eight uprights and capstones are still in place and intact. It has a polygonal chamber and a corridor facing east. Inside the chamber, there are still traces of ochre paintings on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th pillars. Believed to be the work of semi-nomadic tribes who occupied the area in the 10th century BCE.
Anta de Zedes, EM628, 5140-007, Portugal. | 41º 16’ 32.8” N | 7º 17’ 36.6” W

Anta de Vilarinho da Castanheiro

Nine miles (15km) southeast of Anta de Zedes in the parish of Vilarinho da Castanheira is a similar dolmen located close to an old water mill (Moinhos de Água). It too has a polygonal configuration chamber composed of eight pillars including the headboard slab and east-facing corridor. There's a picnic area surrounding it making the area a nice stop-off point if passing by.
Anta da Pala da Moura, Vilarinho da Castanheira, 5140 Carrazeda de Ansiães, Portugal.
41º 12' 12.4" N | 07º 12' 50" W

CASA DOS CANTONEIROS "FOZ TUA WINE HOUSE"

Casa dos Cantoneiros "Foz-Tua Wine House" is a new space dedicated to the promotion and commercialisation of wine and regional products produced in the municipality of Carrazeda de Ansiães. The former Casa dos Cantoneiros was transformed into a "Wine House", where visitors have the opportunity to sample and buy wine, cheese, sausages, jams and dried fruit. This space is equipped with an exhibition room with a shop, a wine tasting room, a small auditorium and a terrace overlooking the rivers Tua and Douro.

Strategically located on one of the main roads into the area, Casa dos Cantoneiros "Foz Tua Wine House" also functions as a regional tourist office.

Low Season: Wednesday – Sunday: 14h00 – 18h00
High Season: Tuesday – Sunday: 14h00 – 20h00
Casa dos Cantoneiros " Foz Tua Wine House", 214 Estrada Nacional, 5340 - 133 - Foz Tua, Portugal.
41° 12' 42.9" N | 07° 25' 43." W
+351 278 098 479 | casadoscantoneiros@cmca.pt

Casa dos Cantoneiros, Foz-Tua Wine House

|  Casa dos Cantoneiros, Foz-Tua Wine House

CACHÃO DA RAPA ROCK PAINTINGS

Cachão da Rapa

|  Cachão da Rapa

Seven miles (11km) west of Carrazeda de Ansiães in Ribalonga are the ancient and enigmatic rock paintings of Cachão da Rapa. Classified as a National Monument in 1943, this collection of 30 or so rock paintings date back to Post-Palaeolithic, probably early Chalcolithic times. Although first studies on this important rock art site were carried out by Jerónimo Contador de Argote in 1738. The site was almost forgotten until 1933 when the Portuguese scholar Santos Júnior published revised drawings of the pictographs which remains still the most complete study of the site. It's academically believed that many of the geometric shapes, predominantly rectangular and circular, are abstracted human forms. The paintings were designed using red and dark blue pigments, the blues are unique in the Iberian rock art tradition. The site can be accessed just off the M634.

Ribalonga, 5140-224 Carrazeda de Ansiães, Portugal. | 41° 13' 15.3" N | 07° 23' 25.9" W


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DOURO TOURS

Douro Valley Régua-Pinhão boat trip and tasting

Douro Valley Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting, Lunch and Optional River Cruise

Get picked up from Porto and go wine tasting amid the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro Valley, a World Heritage-listed region famous for its Port wine production. Feast on regional specialities with a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Pinhão and visit two wine estates for an introduction to award-winning local varietals. Upgrade your full-day tour from Porto with a sightseeing Rabelo boat cruise on the Douro River. This small-group tour is limited to eight people for more personalised attention from the guide.

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Private Yacht Cruise: Porto - Régua

Private Yacht Cruise: Porto - Régua

Groups up to twelve people can embark on a private yacht cruise on the Douro River. Be dazzled by the landscapes you will see along the route from Porto to Régua, stopping for a quiet lunch at Curva da Lomba. The tour can be adapted to suit the client's wishes. Departure from the Marina da Afurada in Vila Nova de Gaia early morning.





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Boat Trip to Régua Through the Douro Valley with Breakfast and Lunch

Boat Trip to Régua Through the Douro Valley with Breakfast and Lunch

Cruise through the scenic landscape of the Douro Valley by boat and train on this memorable tour to Régua. From your comfortable vessel, float along the placid waters of the Douro, gazing up at its terraced vineyards that cover the hillsides. Sweep past world-class wine estates and see quaint Portuguese villages, then stop for lunch. See why this region was demarcated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, return while watching it from a new perspective, by train. Breakfast, lunch and hotel pick-up included.

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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

Grapple Hotel & Spa

Grapple Hotel & Spa

Grapple Hotel & Spa has a restaurant, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a bar and a shared lounge. Among the facilities at this property are room service and concierge service, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel offers an indoor pool and a 24-hour front desk. At the hotel, each room includes a desk. Complete with a private bathroom fitted with bathrobes, all guest rooms at Grapple Hotel & Spa have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms also feature a seating area. A continental breakfast is available every morning. Guests can relax in the spa and wellness centre, including a hot tub, and a sauna, or in the garden equipped with a children's playground.

357 Rua da Sainça, 5140-080 Carrazeda de Anciães, Portugal.
41° 14' 47.6" N | 7° 17' 41.0" W

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Seven Books House

Seven Books House

The Seven Books House is located in Carrazeda de Ansiães, in the heart of Tras-os-Montes, within the Alto Douro Wine Region. Its rooms have private or shared bathrooms. The unit has a total of three guest rooms and has a comfortable communal living area, as well as a room designated for wine tasting. There is a shared kitchen on the property. The property is next to a public garden which features a noted sculpture by Alberto Carneiro.

Rua Capitão Francisco Amaral 123, 5140-062 Carrazeda de Ansiães, Portugal.
41° 14' 37.9" N | 07° 18' 05.8" W

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OUR CHOICE

Taberna Da Helena

Taberna Da Helena

Although off the tourist trail somewhat what the staff lack in English skills they more than makeup for with enthusiasm and warm friendliness. The ingredients are locally sourced as are most of the clientele. Nothing pretentious, just good old fashioned fayre with a more than the reasonable price tag. As you're in the Alto Douro region the local wine is very quaffable which rounds off an enjoyable dining experience perfectly.

Tuesday – Saturday: 16h00 – 02h00, Sunday: 09h0 - 14h00, Monday: CLOSED
Avenida Aquilino Ribeiro, Carrazeda de Ansiães 5140-058, Portugal.
41º 14' 32.8" N | 07º 18' 06.3" W
+351 278 615 083 | hicoelho@hotmail.com


Restaurante Convivio

Restaurante Convivio

No bells or whistles just great local food cooked well albeit belly-busting portions. The prices are very reasonable and the staff are very welcoming and friendly. Popular with locals and prices remain low to accommodate. Food is cooked to order and nothing is rushed, sit back and enjoy the ambience.

Monday – Saturday: 09h00 – 22h00, Sunday: CLOSED
Rua Marechal Carmona 20, Carrazeda de Ansiaes 5140-082 Portugal.
41º 14' 36.0" N | 07º 18' 09.8" W
+351 278 615 169 | gestao.convivio@gmail.com

Carrazeda de Ansiães is 151km (94 miles) East of Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport PORTO. Website

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From Porto take the A4 northeast. Latitude - 41° 14' 32.8" N Longitude - 07° 18' 28.2" W

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