The Ponte do Arco, with its single arch and humpbacked roadway, showcases a distinctive bridge design; the Aldeias e Margens do Rio Ovelha - PR7 circular trail has a different focus, with its riverside vegetation. Other highlights include a medieval necropolis, religious tradition and views of the surrounding landscape. Folhada therefore offers a range of themes to consider when planning your trip—from architectural history to a circular route.
Ponte do Arco: Bridge-building on the Rio Ovelha
The Ponte do Arco connects the banks of the Rio Ovelha. Its large, slightly pointed single arch and humpbacked roadway define its shape; its design draws on Gothic bridges. This brings together two easily distinguishable features: the arch describes the structure, while the hump describes the roadway’s profile. For travellers interested in architecture, this offers a specific point of reference for observing a bridge’s shape and construction. At the same time, the Ponte do Arco is a landmark associated with the river: it connects two banks and thus represents a different aspect of Folhada from its religious traditions or burial sites.
Medieval graves and religious tradition
At Tapada da Igreja Velha, the medieval necropolis comprises five trapezoidal graves. Their number and shape give this cultural and historical site a clear character. Unlike the Ponte do Arco, this is not a river structure but a group of burial sites. Those choosing Folhada for its history will therefore find two distinct themes: a bridge’s design and the shape of medieval graves.
Religious tradition is another part of Folhada’s local heritage. A Senhora da Aparecida from São João de Folhada was originally called Nossa Senhora da Lapa. The traditional account dates the apparition to 13 May 1757. The Senhora da Aparecida celebration in Folhada is listed as taking place on the first Sunday in September. If you are planning your trip around this date, confirm the event date in advance. This places a historically dated account alongside a practical date for travel planning, without treating the tradition as a current event announcement.
The PR7 trail and the landscape
The Aldeias e Margens do Rio Ovelha - PR7 circular trail is 13.7 km long. It starts and ends at the headquarters of the Junta de Freguesia de Várzea da Ovelha, Aliviada e Folhada. Dense riverside vegetation runs along the Ovelha and its tributaries. The length, circular layout and named start and end point answer different planning questions: the length describes the distance, the circular layout describes the route, and the headquarters marks its start and end. This makes the PR7 a distinct route option alongside the individual cultural and historical sites.
The Penedos da Sobreira offer views of the surrounding landscape. These views are a focus in their own right, alongside the bridge architecture, graves and riverside vegetation along the PR7. When weighing up the different themes, you can choose what matters most for your trip to Folhada: architectural design, local history, a riverside route or the landscape.
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