Early traces of settlement and a document from 1125 offer two very different ways into the history of Couto. They are joined by the parish church, traditional crafts, concertina music and historic river crossings. Those choosing Couto as a cultural destination can distinguish its archaeological, ecclesiastical and craft traditions. For accommodation, Casa do Rio Vez is a specific option.

Early settlement traces and place names

The dolmens of Chã do Torrão in Selim are considered evidence of very early settlement in the area of the parish of Couto. This archaeological connection belongs to a much earlier period than the historical name Couto d’Ázere. By a document dated 2 September 1125, D. Teresa established Couto d’Ázere, donated it to the Sé de Tui and granted it as a couto. The parish from which Couto emerged also had a historical name: it was known as São Pedro de Gândara. The early settlement period, historical name and parish history are therefore distinct from one another.

Church, crafts and music

The parish church of Couto was built in 1747, replacing a small chapel in Gândara. A large crucifix in the church was made by António da Costa Torres, a craftsman from Porta. In this way, the building’s history is connected with a specific work by a named craftsman. Traditional crafts recorded in Couto include basket-weaving with split wood and weaving bottles and balloons. The craft tradition is reflected both in an individual ecclesiastical work and in traditional weaving techniques. Playing the concertina is also recorded as a long-standing folk music tradition.

River crossings and historic routes

The Pontão de Celeiros was built over the Rio Vez in the hamlet of Bouça at the end of the 19th century, at the instigation of José Maria da Costa Bandeira, connecting Bouça with Prozelo. The route associated with the bridge known as “Ponte Romana?-Medieval sobre o Rio Ázere” runs along the Caminho da Ponte Velha and the Caminho da Pedra Chão through Bouça, Porta, Couto and Pedreira. The bridge so named may be of Roman origin, based on Fórfex traces in the masonry. Another nearby bridge, the Ponte de Ázere, has a level deck resting on two semicircular arches of granite masonry. Roman origins remain a possibility for the first bridge; the described architectural form is the main feature of the Ponte de Ázere.

A specific accommodation option

Casa do Rio Vez is riverside accommodation set in a garden overlooking the Rio Vez, in a restored former mill.

Discover more destinations: Gavieira, Cabreiro, Paçô, Rio Frio, Arcos De Valdevez, Carralcova, Pedreiro (Salvador), Álvora

Go to the main travel overview: Arcos De Valdevez.