Calheiros lies on the right bank of the Lima, on a mid-slope. The Paço de Calheiros is currently run as a Turismo de Habitação. The landscape, architectural history, religious monuments, folklore and a route through the area offer different focal points for a stay in Calheiros.

The Paço between garden and Baroque

The Paço stands on a hillside and offers views of vineyards and orchards. Its gardens feature fountains and gargoyles. In the civil Baroque architecture of northern Portugal, the building stands out for its two unusual, imposing façades. Its classification as civil architecture distinguishes the Paço from the churches and chapels in the area: it represents secular architecture, while the religious buildings form a distinct part of the area's history. The grounds of the Paço also contain two heraldic fountains. They commemorate the alliance between the Calheiros and Jácomes families, who had ties to Viana. The Paço dates back to the 14th century; the fountains date from the 17th century and commemorate the alliance between the Calheiros and Jácomes families, who had ties to Viana. The Paço thus makes it possible to distinguish the building's history from the family commemoration in time.

Ecclesiastical architecture across several centuries

The parish church, Igreja de Santa Eufémia de Calheiros, was founded and built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Another historical reference is the Capelinha de S. Bento at the Paço de Calheiros: the Diocese of Braga approved it in 1662; it has an elaborate Baroque carved altarpiece in the national style. The Cruzeiro do Senhor dos Perdidos dates from the 18th century and stands in the churchyard of the Capela do Senhor dos Perdidos. The chronology thus ranges from the 12th- to 13th-century parish church to the 18th-century Cruzeiro; the Capelinha's approval in 1662 falls between these dates. The parish church, chapel and Cruzeiro represent different forms of religious heritage.

Route and viewpoint

The Miradouro Alto do Cavalo is designated as a viewpoint of tourist interest in Calheiros. The Rota das Paisagens Protegidas do Alto Minho offers a different way to explore the area: it passes through Calheiros and can be travelled on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. For planning purposes, this means you can choose between a single viewpoint and a route with three modes of travel. If you include Calheiros for its landscape, the route can be considered as a focus in its own right alongside the architectural history.

Cultural traditions

The Rancho Folclórico de Calheiros was founded in October 1990 and has performed its dances and songs throughout the country and abroad ever since. The group also preserves songs associated with traditional practices such as threshing, leaf stripping and linen production. These themes give the musical tradition a concrete connection to traditional activities. Cultural interest thus extends beyond the buildings: alongside the history of the Paço, church and chapels are traditional music and the practices associated with it.

Discover more destinations: Refóios Do Lima, Poiares, Estorãos, Labrujó, Anais, Calvelo, Fojo Lobal, Cabaços

For the main travel overview: Ponte De Lima.