Junqueira brings together architectural history, archaeological traces and a route shaped by agriculture. The Igreja Paroquial da Junqueira and the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Graça showcase different details of sacred architecture; the PR5 – Rota do Mosteiro passes through fields and along stone walls. There is also a historic fishing story depicted in a bas-relief, two megalithic tombs and an annual camellia exhibition. This gives visitors several ways to shape their stay: around architectural history, the landscape or a specific event date.
Churches and monastery history
The present-day Igreja Paroquial da Junqueira dates from the 17th century. The history of the Mosteiro de São Simão da Junqueira is a separate matter: the monastery institution is thought to date back to the 10th century. These two dates refer to different historical points of reference—the present-day parish church and a monastic institution believed to be older. The church has two identical bell towers; above its portal is a very tall oval stained-glass window.
In the Capela de Nossa Senhora da Graça, the nave is covered with blue-and-white tile patterns and floral borders. The parish church is notable for its towers and stained-glass window, while the chapel is distinguished by the ornamented interior of its nave. Together, these details of sacred architecture offer different points of interest for a stay.
The PR5 between fields and the Camino
The PR5 – Rota do Mosteiro da Junqueira passes through agricultural fields, mostly planted with maize and bordered by stone walls. The fields and walls shape the landscape along the route. One section of the PR5 follows the Camino de Santiago, the Caminho Português Central. Alongside the rural landscape, those interested in pilgrimage routes will find a clearly identified route connection.
Historical traces and events
The Estalagem das Pulgas was once an inn where travellers along the northern coast could rest and take a break on the Camino de Santiago. Its history adds a former resting place to the architectural and route-related points of interest.
A distinct historical story is associated with the engraving “Truta de Chantada.” The bas-relief is said to depict a life-size trout that Morgado Bento José Rodrigues d’Oliveira is said to have caught in 1819 in Chantada, in the Ribeira of the same name. The double uncertainty is important: the engraving is said to depict the trout, and the fishing story is also presented as a traditional account.
The Mamoas do Fulom consist of two megalithic tombs discovered in the late 19th century. They add an archaeological dimension alongside the church buildings and the history of the former inn.
The “Exposição de Camélias em Flor” has been held annually at Quinta Vilar de Matos in Junqueira since 1994. If you would like to plan your stay around the exhibition, check the specific event dates in advance.
Find hotels in Junqueira
When looking for hotels in Junqueira, it helps to first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: the PR5 and its agricultural landscape, sacred architecture and archaeology, or the camellia exhibition. This lets you choose Junqueira based on the reason for your trip, without assuming a particular combination of activities. If you are travelling for the exhibition, include its dates in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Rio Mau, Vilar, Guilhabreu, Mosteiró, Vila Chã, Árvore, Vilar do Pinheiro, Macieira da Maia.
For the broader travel overview: Vila Do Conde.
