MOGADOURO

The attractive town of Mogadouro, its name is derived from the Arabic Macaduron. Mogadouro feels remote, lost both to space and time. Although the town and surrounding region have much to offer the adventurous visitor, Mogadouro feels untouched by tourism. You might worry if they speak English here, yet chances are they might actually speak Mirandês, a local Vulgar Latin language lovingly preserved here. Other traditions are also maintained here. The town proudly processes a strong cultural identity.

Mogadouro Archeology Museum Room (Sala Museu de Arqueologia)

Mogadouro's history is a rich tapestry from different epochs from as far back as the megalithic era. Finds from archaeological digs from the second half of the last century can be viewed at the small Mogadouro Archeology Museum Room. On display are hunting weapons and polished axes that originate from the 3rd Millennium BC. There's plenty of pieces from the Roman occupation, such as millstones, carpentry objects, jewellery, funerary stelae and pottery. Displays are well documented, and multi-lingual leaflets are available from reception.
Monday to Friday: from 09h00 – 18h00, Weekends: 09h30 – 13h00/14h00 – 17h30 | FREE
Paços do Concelho, 5200 Mogadouro, Portugal. | 41º 20' 25.8" N | 06º 42' 57.3" W
+351 279 340 100 | museu@mogadouro.pt

Convento de São Francisco

This 17th-century Convent was constructed in 1620 on the behest of Dom Luís Álvares de Távora and is in the Mannerist style. The adjoining church is in the form Latin cross plan with three naves, chancel and sacristy. The building's most striking feature is the bell tower crowned with pinnacles. The interior differs hugely from its original design due to two fires that seriously damaged the site.
59 Rua de São Francisco, 5200-244 Mogadouro, Portugal. | 41º 20' 25.9" N | 06º 42' 58.7" W

Recent excavations suggest this site was utilised by the Romans, who may have built upon an existing Iron Age settlement. The medieval Castle here was built in 1145AD following the retaking of the area by Christian forces from the Moors. The Castle was donated soon after to the Knights Templar by Mendo Rufino of Bragança. Charged with the defence of the area the Templars soon made alterations and integrated Mogadouro into a line of fortresses that protected fledgeling Portugal's southern borders. Further additions and alterations took place in the 14th and 15th centuries to extend living quarters. The tower (Torre de Menagem) was added in the 17th century. With changes in Portugal's borders and political landscapes, and changing military technology, the castle fell out of use. Over the subsequent centuries, it fell into ruin. Today the most striking feature of the original construction is the keep which still commands excellent views over the plains below. The castle became a national monument in 1946.
FREE
32 Rua João de Freitas, 5200-277 Mogadouro, Portugal. | 41º 20' 17.6" N | 06º 43' 10.5" W

Standing aloft on an escarpment 690 metres above sea level ten miles (17km) south of the pretty village of Vimioso and 12 miles (17km) North-East of Mogadouro, this mighty fortress has stood guard over the surrounding area for centuries. Recent excavations suggest a stronghold has been located on this spot since the early Bronze age and was taken advantage of by the Romans too. The first medieval fortress build here was ordered by Afonso Henriques in order to watch over and guard the frontier with the Kingdom of León. In 1224 the structure was radically altered and strengthened resulting in it becoming one of the more important medieval fortifications in the eastern Trás-os-Montes.

During 1710 Algoso Castle withstood numerous attacks by Spanish troops, as part of the Seven Years War and during the Napoleonic Wars, it stood defiant against French troops. The Castle is classified as a Public Interest Building, and during the 20th century, it has received a degree of restoration. | 41º 27" 36.5' N | 06º 35" 06.7' W

Explore the best the region has to offer, ancient churches (Igreja Românica de Azinhoso, Santa Maria de Azinhoso, Igreja Paroquial de Vilarinho dos Galegos and Igreja Matriz de Bemposta) incredible vistas from viewpoints (São Cristóvão and Miradouro de Picões), Roman bridges, rugged landscapes, arable land, ruined castles (Castelo de Penas Roias and Castro de Vilarinho dos Galegos) waterfalls and villages (Figueira and Penas Roias) forgotten by time:

• Trilho de São Cristovão (PR1) Info & Map
• Trilho do Monópotero (PR2) Info & Map
• Trilho de São Fagundo (PR3)   Info & Map
• Trilho da Faia da Água Alta (PR4)   Info & Map
• Trilho das Lendas (PR5) Info & Map
• Trilho do Castro e do Contrabando (PR6) Info & Map
• Trilho da Fraga do Sapato (PR7)   Info & Map
• Trilho do Quartel (PR8)   Info & Map
• Grande Rota do Douro International & Douro Vinhateiro (GR36)   Info & Map