Amares lies between the Cávado Valley and the Serra do Gerês. The region is considered very fertile. Its attractions range from monasteries and religious art to thermal springs and rural mill landscapes. For planning, interests can be grouped by architectural history, religious heritage, thermal springs or trails through the countryside. The following places show different aspects.
Monastic History and Architecture
The Benedictine order founded Mosteiro de Rendufe in the 11th century. According to an inscription in the floor, the church at Mosteiro de Santo André de Rendufe was already complete in 1151. A fire almost completely destroyed the monastery in 1877. Its founding, the completion of the church and its destruction mark different stages in its history.
Mosteiro de Santa Maria do Bouro was founded by the Cistercian order in the 12th century. It was later converted into a pousada as part of a project by architect Souto Moura. At Pousada Mosteiro de Amares, Souto Moura restored the building while preserving its appearance as a ruin. The two buildings show different architectural outcomes: one was converted into a pousada, while the other retains its ruin-like appearance.
Ponte de Rodas is also part of the region’s cultural heritage: it is classified as a National Monument. The range of historic structures therefore extends from monastic complexes to a protected bridge.
Religious Art at Nossa Senhora da Abadia
The ascent to Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia passes eight chapels along a Stations of the Cross route. The three-nave Baroque church houses an organ dating from the late 18th century. The former pilgrims’ quarters are also part of the sanctuary today: they house the Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnográfico da Confraria de Nossa Senhora da Abadia. The Stations of the Cross, the church and the museum thus represent different aspects of the religious heritage—from the route to the sanctuary to its religious art and ethnographic collection.
Thermal Springs and Rural Trails
The thermal springs of Termas de Caldelas were used as far back as Roman times; significant archaeological remains attest to this use. The water contains bicarbonate, calcium and fluoride. The history and properties of the water therefore offer two different perspectives on the thermal baths.
The Percurso Pedestre das Termas de Caldelas offers a different perspective. The route passes through a rural landscape with mills that were once powered by water. Here, the focus is not on the history of the thermal springs but on the former use of water power in the landscape.
Views and Rural Heritage
Baloiço de Urjal is located at Miradouro do Monte das Cadeiras and offers views over the Cávado and Homem valleys. The historic centre of Urjal reflects a different connection to the landscape: it includes typical rural houses of the Minho, espigueiros and watermills. The viewpoint and the historic centre have different emphases—wide views over two valleys in one, rural architecture and historic mills in the other.
On the Homem River, Área de Lazer de Felinhos includes wooded areas, tables, small islands, watermills and bathing areas. These different features shape the character of this recreation area. Unlike the monastery complexes, the sanctuary and the historic mill villages, this is a place to spend time by the river and enjoy its facilities.
Amares can be explored through several specific interests: monastic history and architecture, religious heritage, the history of thermal springs, rural trails and places by the water. Which of these aspects takes priority can help determine where to start when looking for accommodation.
Discover more destinations: Amares, Bouro-Santa Marta, Rendufe, Caldelas, Torre, Bico, Carrazedo, Vizela.
For the broader travel overview: Braga.
