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PONTE DA BARCA

Let MADABOUTPORTO.COM be your indispensable guide to the pretty town of Ponte de Barca. We'll advise you about the best things to see and do. We'll advise you on how to get there and the best hotels available as well as offering restaurant recommendations. Sit back and let others organise everything with our choice of guided tours or use us to plan your adventures.


INTRODUCTION TO PONTE DE BARCA

Situated 39km (24 miles) East of Viana do Castelo at the foot of the Peneda Gerês Parque Nacional, on the lush southern bank of the River Lima lies the pretty town of Ponte da Barca. It's believed that the town acquired its name from the ferry or boat (Barca) that once connected the two banks before the construction of the 16th-century bridge (Ponte).

Constructed in 1543, the bridge greatly aided the pilgrims passing through the area on their way to Santiago de Compostela, the resting place of St. James in Galicia. The bridge spans the Rio Lima on ten rounded and pointed arches of irregular width. The halfway point is marked by two stone flourishes, one with the arms of Ponte da Barca, the other with an armillary sphere representative of Arcos de Valdevez, forming the boundary between the two municipalities.

Despite extensive alterations in the 18th and 19th centuries, this national monument remains one of the most impressive pieces of medieval architecture in Portugal. An ancient custom involves an expectant mother stopping the first person who crosses the bridge after midnight and asking them to baptise their unborn child with water brought up from the river below.

Ponte da Barca

IGREJA MATRIZ DE PONTE DA BARCA

Igreja Matriz de Ponte da Barca

Igreja Matriz de Ponte da Barca

Standing proud in the small main square is the lovely Parish Church, which also is known as the church of São João Baptista. The construction of the church began in the sixteenth century and houses six funerary chapels built by the noblest families of the town. Its present appearance is due to rebuilding work carried out between 1717 and 1738 following skirmishes with neighbouring Spain. The renovations were overseen by Manuel Pinto Villalobos, an architect from Viana do Castelo, which resulted in a more Baroque feel.

One distinguishing feature is the façade which exhibits a relief depicting the baptism of Christ. The interior is richly decorated, notably the altarpiece and accompanying wood carvings on the high altar in a Portuguese Baroque style.
Rua Trás do Forno 1, 4980-623 Pte. da Barca, Portugal. 41° 48′ 29.5″ N | 08° 25′ 11.1″ W

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VINHO VERDE - LIMA SUB REGION

In terms of temperature range, the sub-region of Lima occupies an intermediate position than 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 originating from schist as well as 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 and go from citrus to floral. The Arinto and Trajadura varieties are also widely found here because they adapt well to those climates which are less influenced by Atlantic winds. The reds are mainly produced from Vinhão and Borraçal varieties. Usually, the red wines from the more inland zones of this region show better potential, due to climatic conditions that affect ripening.

CEVPR - Centro de Exposições e Venda de Produtos Regionais

Whereas the lower floor has a space reserved for the exhibition and sale of regional products such as; jams, honey, confectionery, sausages and broa (cornbread). It is here also where local wine producers exhibit and sell their wares, including the infamous Ponte da Barca wine corporative. As part of the Vine Verde Lima sub-region the wines of the area favour the Loureiro grape. The site is built over an old wine press and there's an exhibition about wine cultivation and a collection of antique tools. The CEVPR is also the venue for events such as the Feira de Artesanato do Concelho de Ponte da Barca (Handicraft Fair of the Municipality of Ponte da Barca) and the Feiras do Marmelo, da Noz e do Mel (Quince, Walnut and Honey Fairs).

Monday - Saturday: 09h00 - 12h30/14h00 - 17h30, SUNDAY: CLOSED
Largo da Cooperativa, 4980-020, Ponte da Barca, Portugal.
41° 48' 33.4" N | 08° 25' 01.5" W | +351 258 480 180

VINHO VERDE - Loureiro

Loureiro grapes

WHAT TO DO IN PONTE DA BARCA

Centro Hípico do Mezio

Centro Hípico do Mezio

Set within the picturesque heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, The Centro Hípico do Mezio is the ideal location for pony trekking and horse riding along a network of bridleways within a beautiful mountain landscape.
Centro Hípico do Mezio, Soajo, 4970-672, Portugal.
41° 52' 28.8" N | 08° 15' 51.3" W
+351 965 853 161
centroequestremezioaventura@gmail.com |  Website


EquiCampo - Active Tourism

EquiCampo - Active Tourism

EquiCampo offers a myriad of activities including pony trekking, horse jumping and lessons, treetop adventure and zip wires. Accommodation is available just off-site.

Campo do Gerês, 4840-030, Terras de Bouro, Portugal.
41° 45' 17" N | 08° 11' 35" W
+351 253 161 405
equicampo.tm@gmail.com |  Website

Ecovia do Lima

Ecovia do Lima (Trafiic free routes for walkers & cyclists)

Along and around the Lima valley can be found over 70km of traffic-free trails which meander through the countryside opening up protected landscapes to the more adventurous traveller.

Troço dos Açudes (The route of dams) - Runs between Ponte de Lima and Ponte de Barca  Website
Percurso das Lagoas (The journey of the ponds) - From Ponte de Lima to Ribeira da Silvareira in Fontão  Website
Troço da Laranja (Ermelo - Arcos de Valdevez) - Runs between Ermelo, Arcos de Valdevez and Albufeira Touvedo  Website
Percurso de Refóios do Lima - Runs between Ponte de Lima and the pier at Garrida  Website
Percurso das Veigas - Runs between Deão in Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima  Website

IGREJA DE SÃO SALVADOR DE BRAVÃES

Igreja de São Salvador de Bravães

Igreja de São Salvador de Bravães

Three miles West of Ponte da Barca on the main road to Ponte de Lima located in the small hamlet of Bravães can be found one of the finest examples of Romanesque monuments in Portugal. This 11th-century church started life as a Benedictine monastery on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, commissioned by Vasco Nunes, a nobleman from Porto. Although altered in the 15th and 16th centuries the Igreja de São Salvador de Bravães maintains many of its original medieval characteristics. Its ogival portal features five worked archivolts, with capitals, shafts and spandrels all similarly adorned with a great variety of figurative and geometric motifs including birds, oxen, sheep, people, and even monkeys.

Inside one discovers a beautiful coffered ceiling covering the single nave, a silver crucifix gifted by King Manuel I with 14th-century frescoes of St. Sebastian and the Virgin. The monastery in the 15th century and became a parish church. Today it has a protective national monument status.

Lugar do Mosteiro 4980, Bravães. Ponte da Barca, Portugal. | 41° 47' 37" N | 08° 27' 00 W

SOAJO

Soajo is a charming traditional mountain village, with granite houses, narrow streets, a small community church and a crumbling pillory. From its advantage point, from here you can enjoy amazing vistas and Soajo makes a great base for long hikes. But it is the village's collection of Espigueiros for which Soajo is famous. These granite granaries are unique to Northern Portugal. Meaning “spikes,” these granaries constructed from locally hewn granite. They're built to store grain off the ground for protection from rats and other rodents and were used by the whole community. The 24 Espigueiros here date back to the 18th century and some are still in use today. A path from the cluster of Espigueiros leads to the Ladeira medieval bridge located in a tranquil location.
Espigueiros e Eira Comunitária do Soajo, Barragem do Lindoso, 4970-655 Soajo, Portugal.
42° 52’ 22.2” N | 08° 15’ 43.5” W

Mezio Megalithic Centre

Eight and a half miles (14km) northeast of Arcos de Valdevez is the Mezio Megalithic Centre, a collection of a dozen burial dolmens known locally as the Antas da Serra do Soajo. Estimated to be 5000 years old the monuments from prehistory have been extensively studied scientifically and some have been partially restored. The site is well explained with information boards along the 2km long plateaux offering the inquisitive visitor a rare insight into megalithic life. Núcleo Megalítico do Mezio, Serra do Soajo, Mezio 3600, Arco de Valdevez, Portugal.
40° 59′ 01.1″ N | 07° 53′ 21.6″ W

Soajo

Espigueiros of Soajo

LINDOSO

Lindoso

Lindoso

29 km (18 miles) east of Arcos de Valdevez in the Penda Gerês national park the hamlet of Lindoso comprises 1300 souls, mainly of farming backgrounds and is most famous for its castle and Espigueiros (granite structures to house grain). Perched on a small rocky outcrop overlooking the village Lindoso's castle has played a key role in the defence of the Portuguese frontier since the 13th century. It's done battle and changed hands with its old adversary Castile and later Spain during the restoration wars. Built on an irregular quadrilateral foundation, it has rounded corners to avoid blind angles and offer greater resistance to assailants. The gate facing the village is flanked by quadrangular towers.

The Espigueiros which run alongside the castle are intricately carved from granite and topped with a cross that dates back to the 18th century. Along with Soajo, Lindoso has the best collection of Espigueiros in Portugal, in terms of number and finery. For additional divine protection of the grain, there's a granite cross with a tall shaft mounted on a square plinth standing guard among the stone granaries. The whole site combined is a national monument.
Lindoso, Ponte da Barca 4980-451, Portugal. | 41° 51'' 52.6" N | 08° 11' 46.7" W

TOP TOURS

Vinho Verde Small Group Tour

Vinho Verde Small Group Tour

Discover Portugal's unique wine tradition of Vinho Verde, or green wine, on this full-day tour from Porto. The Vinho Verde region of Portugal is filled with lush, green scenery, which you can discover on this tour. Sample the special wine at local wineries, enjoy a delicious Portuguese lunch, and learn about this wine region.


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Private Tour: Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima from Porto

Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima

Visit Vila do Conde, Povoa Varzim, Viana do Castelo and Ponte de Lima. From Porto, always travelling along the coast, we will visit all these cities with stops at the most emblematic monuments in each city, the most beautiful beaches, and taste the local sweets. We will visit Viana do Castelo the jewel of Minho and Ponte de Lima the oldest village in Portugal. Travel in an air-conditioned Mercedes-class V250 van with eight seats.

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Valença, Ponte de Lima & Viana do Castelo

Valença, Ponte de Lima & Viana do Castelo

A full-day tour to uncover Alto Minho Region! Visit three unique towns in the north of Portugal: Valença, Ponte de Lima, and Viana do Castelo. Accompanied by an expert driver/guide you'll explore the attractions and delights, learn more about the region, and take time to get in touch with the customs, traditions, and flavours of the Minho. Pick up from Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

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SUGGESTED HOTELS

Casa Nobre do Correio-Mor

Casa Nobre do Correio-Mor

This 17th-century manor house located in the medieval centre of Ponte da Barca with commanding views over the Lima valley. This family-run mansion has been tastefully restored for hotel purposes. Guest rooms are spacious and decorated in Minho style.

Largo O Povo da Barca, Ponte da Barca, Portugal.
41º 48" 37.6' N | 08º 25" 14.6' W | +351 258 452 129

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Quinta de Silharezes

Quinta de Silharezes

Just off from the centre in the town of Ponte da Barca, Quinta de Silharezes features a restaurant and free WiFi. Each unit has a patio, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave, a seating area with a sofa, a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. A fridge, an oven and a stovetop are also available, as well as a coffee machine.

The farm stay offers a sun terrace. Guests can swim in the outdoor swimming pool, go hiking or cycling, or relax in the garden and use the barbecue facilities.

Rua da Ponte Românica, 232, Oleiros, 4980-527 Ponte da Barca, Portugal.
41° 48' 06.1" N | 08° 25' 32.1" W

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Hotel Fotnte Velha

Hotel Fonte Velha ★ ★ ★

Centrally located close to the river Lima, Hotel Fonte Velha is situated in Ponte da Barca, 18 miles from Braga. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar. Free private parking is available on site.

Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Some rooms feature a seating area for your convenience. Views of the river, garden or city are featured in certain rooms. The rooms are fitted with a private bathroom equipped with a shower. For your comfort, you will find bathrobes and slippers. Hotel Fonte Velha features free WiFi throughout the property. Bike hire and car hire are available at this hotel. The area is popular for horse riding. You can play billiards at the hotel.

Rua Plácido de Vasconcelos 27, 4980-637 Ponte da Barca, Portugal . | N 41º 48' 31.5" | W 08º 25' 05.2"

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Booking.com
Varanda Do Lima

Varanda Do Lima

After renovations, this restaurant has established itself as Ponte da Barca's most prestigious establishments. Serving top-quality local cuisine, including fish dishes. The restaurant's café next door offers simpler options. The restaurant has recieved awards for its dishes such as the Bacalhau à Barca (Cod), Pescada cozida com todos (hake), Bife à pimenta com queijo, (pepper steak with cheese sauce), Cordon Bleu with cream sauce.

Tuesday – Sunday: 12h00 – 15h00/19h00 – 23h00 , Monday: CLOSED
Largo Corro, 4980-614 Ponte da Barca, Portugal.
41º 48" 29.4' N | 08º 25" 15.9' W
+351 258 453 469


Vai a Fava

Vai a Fava

The interior is tastefully decorated in a contemporary manner. The views overlooking the river and bridge from the patio makes it the place to be. The menu is varied, employing a creative twist to regional classics. Quality is high, yet prices are very reasonable. Staff are jovial yet professional and the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.

Tuesday - Sunday: 18h00 - 02h00, Monday: CLOSED
13 Rua Doutor Alberto Cruz, Junto Ao Largo Dos Poetas, Ponte da Barca 4980-629, Portugal.
41° 48' 31.5" N | 08° 25' 10.7" W
+351 258 027 769


Petisc'art

Petisc'art

Unpretentious and homely specialising in small plates (Petiscos), gourmet burgers creatively presented. Relaxed atmosphere and welcoming. Ideally located close to the river, a great choice for a lunch break or just to whet the whistle.

Daily: 10h00 - 00h00
13 Largo da Misericordia, Ponte da Barca 4980-613, Portugal.
41º 48" 34.8' N | 08º 25" 01.1' W
+351 258 023 557

Ponte da Barca is 96.7km (60.1 miles) Northeast of Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport PORTO. Website

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Reached from Porto, Braga and south along the A3. From Viana do Castelo and the west take the A27. From Spain, Valença and the North take the A3.
Latitude - 41º 47' 37" | Longitude - 08º 27' 00"

GET A GREAT DEAL ON CAR HIRE:

• Salvador: Website Services from Arcos de Valdevez to Ponte da Barca with onward connections to Braga, Monção, Sistelo, Soajo, Lindoso and Vila Verde Timetable

• Rede Expressos: Website Rede Expressos: Services from Lisbon, Porto, Braga and Arcos de Valdevez and many other regional and national locations.