Castelo de Melgaço

The castle now is mostly an empty shell. Within the old circular walls are three towers which help to reinforce its strength. Through the Portão de Armas gateway, a medieval tower is all that remains of this 12th-century fortress. Built on the highest part of Melgaço, the fortress dominates the town. For a tiny fee, it's possible to climb the stairs of the keep, which houses a small museum, up to the top of the tower rewards you with impressive views over the river Minho and into Spain beyond. On the southern Portuguese side, one is blessed with views over the Peneda Gerês National Park. Atop the tower is a replica bell originally used to warn the residents of Melgaço of an impending invasion.

Originally built by Afonso Henriques around 1170 AD it played a vital role in defending fledgeling Portugal's northern borders, most notably in 1212 AD when it successfully repelled the forces of the neighbouring kingdom of León. In a later war in 1640, the War of Restoration, the castle was modified to house artillery. In 1910 the castle became a national monument.
Tuesday - Sunday: 10h00 - 17h00, Monday: CLOSED | €1.00
Núcleo Museológico de Melgaço (Museum), Rua do Castelo, 4960-537 Melgaço.
42° 06' 51.9" N | 08° 15' 35.1" W
+351 251 410 191 | nucleomuseologico@cm-melgaco.pt

Melgaço Matriz Church

Originally called the Church of Santa Maria de Porta due to its close proximity to the entrance to the Melgaço fortress, this 17th-century Romanesque church has gone through many transformations during its lifetime. Much of its original layout still exists. Indeed the front and side entrances are original. The main portal is formed of two sets of columns, with capitals decorated with plant motifs. The north side door has a pointed archivolt, supported by two cantilevers, which support a tympanum with a figure of a lion in high relief. On the left wall of the interior, there is an altarpiece dating from the late 16th century carved by Antonio Figueroa.
28 Viela da Matriz, 4960-543 Melgaço, Portugal. | 42° 06' 50.1" N | 08° 15' 33.1" W

Every year at the end of April, Melgaço becomes a paradise for food and wine enthusiasts during the three-day Alvarinho & Meat Festival. This lively event is a celebration of the region's finest traditional products, including the renowned Alvarinho wine, savoury hams, smoked sausages, and sweet honey. The festival offers visitors the chance to sample these local delicacies in a festive atmosphere filled with entertainment and live music.

For over 20 years, the Melgaço Alvarinho & Meat Festival has grown to become one of Portugal's most prestigious gastronomic events. Its goal is not only to showcase the exceptional quality of Melgaço's products but also to promote tourism in this picturesque town. Get ready for a flavourful adventure in Melgaço! |  Website

The region of the National Park of Peneda Gerês has housed human occupation since Prehistory. Evidence of this is laid testament by the mêlée of megalithic structures dotted all over the protected area, one of the most impressive of which is the Megalithic Necropolis at Castro Laboreiro.

This Necropolis, one of the largest found in the Iberian Peninsula, is spread over an area of approximately 20 square miles up to the Spanish border. The Trilho do Megalitismo do Planalto de Castro Laboreiro footpath starting at Rodeiro three miles north of the village of Castro Laboreiro and meanders north east eight miles past four separate sets of Megalithic Monuments, those at Alto da Mansão do Guerreiro, Alto do Buscal, Lamas do Rego and Portela do Pau.