Circular walks and the history of its monuments give a trip to Gilmonde two clear focal points. The two routes are similar in their approximate length, but differ in their difficulty ratings. There are also Castelo de Faria and Igreja e Convento da Franqueira. Shooting sports are also represented by a facility and a club. You can use these interests as a starting point when planning your trip and looking for a holiday rental.

Walks on two circular routes

The “No trilho da Sra. da Consolação às Margens do Cávado” (PR5 BCL) is an easy, approximately 12.5-kilometre circular walking route. It passes through the freguesias of Fornelos, Gilmonde and Vila Seca. The section through Gilmonde runs through rural surroundings and farmland. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.

The “No Trilho do Monte da Franqueira” (PR6 BCL) is approximately 12 kilometres long, is also a circular route and passes through the freguesia of Gilmonde. It is rated “algo difícil” (III), while the PR5 is described as easy. Their approximate lengths are similar, so the difference between the stated difficulty levels is particularly useful when choosing a route. You should also check the current conditions before walking this route.

Castelo de Faria and Franqueira

The ruins of Castelo de Faria and the archaeological site below them, in the freguesias of Gilmonde and Milhazes, were classified as a National Monument by Decree-Law No. 40684 of 13 July 1956. Castelo de Faria is in Gilmonde and also extends into some neighbouring freguesias. It is considered the most important archaeological site in the municipality of Barcelos and is documented as early as 1128.

Igreja e Convento da Franqueira is located at Senhor da Fonte da Vida in the freguesias of Pereira and Gilmonde, in the municipality of Barcelos, in the district of Braga. It is classified as a monument of public interest. The present building was constructed in the 16th century and expanded and remodelled between 1678 and 1708. Seven chapels of the Passos have been preserved in the surrounding area.

The historical details highlight different aspects: the early documentary record is central to Castelo de Faria, while Franqueira can be understood through its construction date, later remodelling and chapels. This lets you distinguish between archaeological history and architectural and cultural history during your stay, without treating the two subjects as a single monument.

Shooting sports in Gilmonde

Complexo de Tiro de Fervença has shooting ranges of 10, 25, 50 and 100 metres, as well as a clay pigeon shooting range. The dynamic shooting range has 10 IPSC stages. Clube de Tiro de Fervença is based at Quinta de Fervença in the freguesia of Gilmonde and manages the facilities for members and other participants in official or private sporting events. Prior arrangements or a licence may be required to take part; check the participation requirements before visiting.

Getting there and finding accommodation

Gilmonde can be reached via the EN 205. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first consider which focus you would like to prioritise: the circular routes with their different difficulty ratings, the history of Castelo de Faria, or the architectural and chapel history of Franqueira. For walks, take both route descriptions and current conditions into account; for a visit to the shooting sports facilities, the participation requirements are key.

Discover more destinations: Sobradelo Da Goma, Parada Do Bouro, Vila De Prado, Terras De Bouro, Vila Nova De Famalicão, Ribeirão, Areias, Anjos

Go to the main travel overview: Braga.