The Varanda dos Reis at the Convento de São Gonçalo features four statues of rulers who supported the construction of the monastery. This architectural detail offers a glimpse of Amarante, whose history is also reflected in frescoes, a Baroque façade, old routes and a vibrant musical tradition.

Monastery, façades and frescoes

The Convento de São Gonçalo was founded as a Dominican monastery in 1540. The church of São Gonçalo and the cloister have been preserved. The statues at the Varanda dos Reis depict D. João III (1521–1557), D. Sebastião (1557–1578), D. Henrique (1578–1580) and D. Filipe I (1581–1598). The reigns of these four patrons span from the early 16th century to the end of the 16th century.

The Igreja dos Clérigos de São Pedro has a different architectural character: its Baroque façade is defined by its verticality. The church is believed to have been completed in 1727; this date is inscribed on the keystone of the arch of a window opening on the main façade. At the Igreja de São João Baptista de Gatão, the building’s history and its visual art belong to different periods. Its construction spanned the 13th and 14th centuries. Significant 15th- and 16th-century frescoes have been preserved near the nave, at the triumphal arch and in the chapel. They include depictions of the Crucifixion and the Coronation of the Virgin, as well as the martyrdoms of Saint Sebastian, Saint Catherine of Alexandria and Saint Lucy. The church of the Mosteiro do Salvador de Travanca also dates from the 13th century. Amarante is part of the Rota do Românico, and ten monuments on this route are located within its territory.

Routes between river and history

The waymarked Caminho de Torres runs for about 28 kilometres through Amarante. The main sights along the Caminho de Torres in Amarante include the Ponte de São Gonçalo and the Convento de São Gonçalo. A shorter, clearly defined route is the six-kilometre Rota do Marancinho – PR1. This circular trail starts and ends at the Igreja de Santa Maria de Gondar. It includes a section of the old Roman road that connected Tongobriga in Marco de Canaveses with the Panóias rock sanctuary in Vila Real via Amarante.

The routes along the Tâmega also differ in length and layout. The Trilho dos Castanheiros is 3.8 kilometres long, linear and easy to complete. It starts at the Parque Florestal de Amarante and follows the river’s left bank. The Trilho das Azenhas is also linear and easy to complete. It runs along the right bank of the Tâmega in Amarante and is seven kilometres long. The two routes therefore offer different distances and follow opposite sides of the river.

The Parque Florestal de Amarante covers about five hectares and is used for recreation, sports and walks; it is also the starting point for the Trilho dos Castanheiros. The Tâmega flows through Amarante, and visitors can walk along its banks. Canoeing is also practised on the Tâmega in Amarante.

Old crossings and living traditions

The Ecopista do Tâmega follows the route of the former Tâmega railway line. Its first ten-kilometre section is said to have opened in April 2011; it ran from Amarante station to the municipal boundary with Celorico de Basto. The Ponte de Fundo de Rua, also known as the Ponte da Aboadela, is a stone bridge over the Ovelha River with four semicircular arches of different sizes. It was one of two crossings between Amarante and Trás-os-Montes. The bridge is mentioned in a work by Camilo Castelo Branco, and the writer passed through this place several times.

The Viola Amarantina is also part of Amarante’s cultural life. It remains associated with regional folk music and traditional gatherings on Eiras. The Festas de Junho in honour of São Gonçalo de Amarante take place on the first weekend in June; the exact dates vary from year to year. If you are planning a visit for the festivities, check the dates for the relevant year.

The official website provides an online form for registering group visits to the Museu Municipal Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso. The form is exclusively for groups. Check the current booking arrangements before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Amarante, Ataíde, Freixo De Cima, Mancelos, Fregim, Carneiro, Padronelo, Lufrei, Vila Meã, Candemil.

View the main travel guide: Porto.