The most dominant and most beautiful building in Amarante is undoubtedly the Convento de São Gonçalo, its magnificent red Cupola dominating the skyline and its commanding location overlooking the bridge. Construction started in 1540 on the orders of Dom João III and took 40 years to complete. Facing a square next to the monastery is a beautiful Mannerist doorway with high niches containing 17th-century granite statues. Those figures in the foreground represent St. Francis and St. Domingos de Gusmão, whilst in the background can be seen St. Gonçalo, St. Peter the Martyr and St. Thomas Aquinas, all enjoying the protection of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Crowning the collection of statues is the royal coat of arms. São (Saint) Gonçalo is the patron of the town and is famed for being a matchmaker and confidant to the town's maidens who are tired of being single. His limestone tomb is found inside the monastery, and it's believed that touching the tomb helps to bring a speedy marriage (it worked for my wife). Over the centuries, his face, hands and feet have been worn away by those eager to find marital bliss. Also inside the main part of the church is the chapel of Santa Rita Cássia, with its gilded wooden altarpiece and the beautiful eighteenth-century organ supported by three gilded bearded mythological figures.

Amarante has its own sub-regional appellation, as part of the Vinho Verde classification (labelled as Vinho Verde DOC, sub-região Amarante). Protected from the influence of the Atlantic and high average altitude, temperatures are higher than other Vinho Verde sub-regions. These conditions favour the cultivation of certain late-ripening varieties: Azal and Avesso (whites) and Amaral and Espadeiro (reds). The soil is granite, like most of the region. The white wines usually present fruity flavours and an alcohol content higher than the regional average.

However, Amarante is famed for its reds since these climatic conditions favour well-matured grapes, particularly from the Vinhão variety, deep in colour and fruity on the palate. Most brands have the characteristic Vinho Verde fizz. This red should be served chilled.

VISIT A VINEYARD

Parque Aquático Amarante is situated close to the River Tamega, located some 50km West of Porto and a short distance southwest of Amarante. You will find swimming pools for adults and children, incredible toboggans, water slides of various types and a snack bar. The Aqua Park is a great family day out.

June - September, Daily: 10h00 - 19h00
Rua do Tâmega, nº 2245, 4600-909 Fregim, Amarante, Portugal
41° 14' 59.8" N | 08° 06' 28.4" W
+351 255 410 040
waterpark@tamegaclube.com |  Website

Created in 1997. Amarante's golf course is backdropped by the surrounding natural beauty, two of the highest mountains in Portugal - Marão and Aboboreira, it's hilly topography offers players a challenge. Located in the parish of Fregim four miles (6 Km) from the town of Amarante. The course consists of 18 holes, for a par of 68, over 40 acres and an altitude of 600 metres. The highlights are the fast but undulated greens, which require special attention by players. It comprises seven par 3 holes, eight par 4 holes and three par 5 holes. The site also contains a golf school offering courses and advice for all ages and abilities.
Minimum handicap requirements: men: 36, women: 36

April - September 07h30 - 20h00, October - March 07h30 - 18h00

Contact Details
Sociedade do Golfe de Amarante, S.A. 4600-593 Amarante, Portugal. | 41° 15' 30.7" N | 08° 06' 55.2" W
+351 255 446 060 | escola@golfedeamarante.com |  Website

The Course

Amenities

During the first weekend of June in Amarante occurs one of the most bizarre yet colourful and merry festivals of Portugal. The Festival of São Gonçalo has its roots from an ancient ritual of fertility drawn from a pagan source and is a spectacle well worth seeing if you're in the Porto area when it's on. Traditionally during the festival, young and unmarried couples exchange provocative phallic-shaped cakes (bolos de São Gonçalo), symbolising their passion and love. At midnight on the second day of the festival, the skies of Amarante are illuminated by a spectacular firework display. It is the increasingly challenging aim of the organisers to surpass the previous year's spectacle.