Roman Bridge in Ponte de Lima

Portugal

Ponte de Lima is one of many charming towns in the Minho region. What deserves a special attention is the Roman Bridge.  It stretches with its low arches over the river Lima. Definitely the place must have played important role in the past.  Because the name of the village comes from that fact of having a bridge over the Lima river.   Ponte de Lima means literally a bridge of/over (the river) Lima.

Another interesting monument is Convent of Santo António from the 15th century.  It is not open all day long, so you must be lucky to see the interiors. You can also find information, in some guidebooks, about the market, which is held over the river every Monday. But those who want to find something local over there may be very disappointed.

Bom Jesus do Monte

History of Braga dates back to Roman times.  Over the centuries the city acted as the ecclesiastical capital of Portugal. In the early 18th century it lost its religious importance to Lisbon.  But the sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte has remained an important pilgrimage destination.  Today the place serves both religious and tourist purposes.

The picturesque staircases with the church mounted at the top can be found at almost any guidebook or album of Portugal.  Indeed, it is worth climbing the stairs to see beautiful architectural complex situated on the Monte Espinho. A double line staircase was decorated with fountains, chapels and statues of religious themes.  For those less active by choice or necessity there is a funicular.

There is more information in Portuguese at Bom Jesus website and in English EZ Portugal can be a good site.

Galo de Barcelos

Barcelos looks like many other towns in Portugal. But it is where an unofficial symbol of Portugal – Galo de Barcelos comes from.  Galo de Barcelos in Portuguese means rooster from the town of Barcelos.

As a legend says a pilgrim was accused of murder in Barcelos. He pleaded not to be guilty of what he had been accused, but the court sentenced him to death. The convict was able to get in front of the judge who was just dinning with his friends. The pilgrim pointed to the roasted rooster on the table and said that the bird would crow when he were to be executed. Indeed, when the noose tightened around pilgrim’s neck, the rooster crowed. The judge ran to the gallows although it seemed it was already too late. Luckily it turned out that the pilgrim luckily escaped death.

To commemorate the event the pilgrim funded the statue of St. James and the Virgin Mary which you can still see there.  Figures of galo de Barcelos are very popular in the town and all over Portugal, so it's hard to leave without one. You may buy it just in Barcelos. Other sights of interests are the 15th century fortifications and the 13th century church.

Vila do Conde - Aqueduct

 Vila do Conde is one of the oldest towns in the north of Portugal. The town is situated at the mouth of the river Ave, on the Atlantic coast. 18 km of beaches guarantee enough space for everybody to relax. 

For regular tourist there are some historic buildings to visit. But the most interesting, in my opinion, is an aqueduct. I always thought of aqueducts as part of ancient heritage.  But that structure was constructed in early 18th century (1705-1714).  It was a big surprise to me. It is the second longest aqueduct in Portugal.  It transports water from a spring in Terroso / Povoa de Varzim to a fountain in the monastery of St. Clare.

Portugal's official tourist portal visitportugal.com, points out to the tradition of making lace.  You can find more information about it at the Lace Museum.  Somehow we did not make for it, but the aqueduct is worth seeing.