PONTE DE LIMA

The stone Roman Bridge which lends the town its name crosses the River Lima and connects the town with Arcozelo on the other bank. It's believed the bridge was first built in the first century during the reign of Emperor Augustus. It was rebuilt during the 14th century, sadly only seven partially covered narrow arches on the north bank remain from the Roman construction. The medieval bridge is gothic in style. It was probably finished in 1370 during the period King Dom Pedro I had the town fortified. Further modifications were made in 1504 when the bridge received its paving and crenellation. Two defensive towers we built at the same time but were subsequently pulled down in the late 19th century.

On the Northern side of the bridge is the beautiful 18th-century church of Santo António da Torre Velha and beyond. Along with the bridge, it's probably the most photographed object in Ponte de Lima. Its profile makes a wonderful foreground to the mountains beyond. Azuleijo tiles cover the church's façade, yet the interior is relatively stark. The church and surrounding gardens are still worth a visit.
41º 46’ 9,6” N | 8º 35’ 14,0” W

The market of Ponte de Lima is the oldest in Portugal and has existed since 4th March 1125. Dona Teresa, the mother of Dom Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, granted the charter to Ponte de Lima. Every other Monday on the south bank of the river, hundreds of traders gather to show their best wares: various fresh vegetables and fruit, sweets, bread, cheeses, charcuterie as well as clothes, shoes and various household items.

As well to the fortnightly market there's a Craft market on each fourth Sunday of each month. An antique market every second Sunday can be found along the river bank. If you miss these markets you still have the Municipal Market (Mercado Municipal de Ponte de Lima) which is open Monday - Saturday from 07h00 – 19h00 and is a purveyor of regional produce.

Torre da Cadeia Velha

The Torre da Cadeia Velha or Torre da Porta Nova on the river bank was once part of the original walled fortifications and was later used as a prison until the 1960s. Inside you can see signatures of the unfortunate prisoners scratched into the walls. Later it housed the town's historical archives, before becoming an art gallery.

Igreja Matriz

The parish church was originally built between 1425 and 1446. The bell tower was added much later. Its peculiar mix of styles: Romanesque, Gothic and Neoclassical, is the result of several alterations over the centuries. An example mishmash is the gothic portal crowned by the 18th-century rose window. Inside can be found two side altars; on the right is a 17th-century dedication to Nossa Senhora das Dores and on the left a shrine to Nossa Senhora de Fátima from the 18th century, both are incredible carvings. Also inside can be found a Manueline style font.

Chafariz Nobre (Noble Fountain)

No town in the Minho would be complete without its fountain. Ponte de Lima's fountain was first commissioned in 1575 and was completed in 1603. Its original home was in the Largo Dr António Magalhães and was transferred to the Largo de Camões in 1929. The work is attributed to the master from Ponte de Lima João Lopes, the younger. The square where it resides faces the river and bridge. A cluster of restaurants makes it an ideal spot for lunch.

In terms of temperature range, the sub-region of Lima occupies an intermediate position in relation to the other sub-regions. However, rainfall is higher. The altitude of the vineyards is variable and increases the further you travel from the coast, where the terrain is also more irregular, giving rise to some micro-climates in the Lima Valley, sometimes referred to as Lower Lima and Higher Lima. Like in the Cávado sub-region, there is a strip of soil consisting of schist and granite soils, though it is not a significant stretch. The most famous white wines from this sub-region are produced from the Loureiro variety. The aromas are fine and elegant, ranging from citrus to floral. The Arinto and Trajadura varieties are also widely found here because they adapt well to those climates less influenced by Atlantic winds. The reds are mainly produced from Vinhão and Borraçal varieties. Usually, the red wines from the more inland zones show better ageing potential, due to climatic conditions that affect ripening.

Wine Tasting at the Adega Cooperativa Ponte de Lima

One of a handful of excellent Cooperatives in the Minho region that produce Vinho Verde of great quality, their 100% Loureiro is continuously good year after year. Since its creation in 1957, it has expanded from its initial 47 growing members to over 2000. They now produce over 50,000 hectolitres of wine a year and export to an increasing number of countries. Situated just outside of the town they're open for guided wine tasting tours throughout the year, even during harvest time. For the price of ten euros, you'll experience a presentation from an oenologist, a tasting of some of their brands and a three-bottle gift box. Visits should be booked in advance.

Tuesday - Sunday: 10h00 - 13h00/14h00 - 18h00, Sundays: CLOSED | €2.00
Monte de Santa Luzia, 4901-910, Viana do Castelo, Portugal
N 41° 42’ 15” | W 08° 50’ 00 | +351 258 825 917
rcitania@culturanorte.gov.pt |  Website

During the second weekend of September Ponte de Lima turns into a party town, despite its name, Feiras Novas (New Fair), which has been sending Ponte de Lima bonkers for almost 200 years. The first Feiras Novas occurred by royal appointment in 1826 in honour of the Lady of Sorrows. Besides music, folklore and fireworks, there are other events like competitions, racing ponies, ethnographic and historical processions, and processions of "gigantones" (the large four-metre tall dolls, a structure of which is worn and handled inside. The festivities last for three days and nights drawing in thousands of visitors from near and far alike. But it is the people with their joy and spontaneity, their way of celebrating at the party that makes the Feiras Novas a unique moment. There is plenty of singing, and folklore in every corner of the town and a pilgrimage that is considered the "largest live congress of popular culture in Portugal".

Associação Concelhia das Feiras Novas
+351 258 900 400 | feirasnovas@cm-pontedelima.pt |  Website

The Roman historian Livy (Titus Livius Patavinus 59BC-AD17) reported that when the legions first encountered the river Lima the foot soldiers refused to cross because they believed it was the legendary River Lethes, the river of forgetfulness. Proconsul Decimus Junius Brutus had marched his troops across most of Iberia and refused to allow this superstition to thwart his ambitions. After taking the standard, he traversed the river alone on horseback and encouraged his men across from the opposite bank. Today this tale is remembered in the guise of two interesting monuments on either side of the river.

The Romans wouldn't have found this area uninhabited though, this was the land of the Limicos, which is probably the origin of the name of the river. A few archaeological remains of iron-aged settlements have been found such as the Castro of Santo Estêvão da Facha.