Friões lies on the right bank of the Rio Torto, a tributary of the Rio Rabaçal. The Serra de Friões reaches a maximum elevation of 916 metres. You can plan your trip around different points of interest: the Vias Augustas XVII walking trail, archaeological sites and historic buildings. This gives you the option of exploring Friões through its riverside location, the route or its cultural history.

Walking the Vias Augustas XVII

The Vias Augustas XVII trail passes through Friões, including Mosteiró de Cima and Barracão. It is officially approved in accordance with the standards of the Federação de Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal and is signposted along its entire length. The approval classifies the route according to the federation’s standards; continuous signage helps you find your way along the trail. Its features include Roman paved roads and bridges. The route therefore combines walking with historic structures along the trail.

The route, wayfinding and historic features offer different points of reference for planning your visit. The named places indicate the trail’s course through Friões, while the paved roads and bridges give it a cultural and historical dimension. If you are interested in walks connected with historic road structures, this offers a specific focus.

Archaeological sites in Friões

Friões’ archaeological sites include Castelo dos Mouros/Alto dos Castelos and Gravuras Rupestres da Cerca de Vila Nova – Painel A e B. Another archaeological site is the fortified settlement of Alto da Cividade. Two rows of walls surround it, reaching a thickness of about three metres. Remains of circular and rectangular structures have been preserved on the inner platforms. Outside the fortified settlement, there is also a press carved into the rock.

Alto da Cividade can be understood through more than just its fortifications: the different structures inside and the press outside are also among its archaeological features. The rock engravings and the other named sites add further specific locations of archaeological heritage. When choosing what interests you, you can therefore weigh a walking route with Roman paved roads and bridges against exploring archaeological sites and building remains.

Buildings and history

Casa Medeiros is classified as a property of municipal interest (IM) and is undergoing the classification process (EVC). This is based on a municipal decision dated 31 January 2005. The Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a Baroque chapel in an enclosed, landscaped area. Both offer a different way to explore the history of Friões than its archaeological sites: for Casa Medeiros, its classification and the classification process are key features; for the chapel, its style and landscaped setting are distinctive.

Another historical reference point is the parish of São Pedro de Friões. It was already established at the time of the Inquirições of 1258. This historical context adds the parish’s early history to the architectural and archaeological themes. In Friões, you will encounter different kinds of historical points of interest: archaeological sites, preserved building remains, a Baroque chapel and the early establishment of the parish.

When choosing a focus, you can therefore distinguish between a signposted walking route and cultural sites tied to specific places. The Vias Augustas XVII combines the trail with Roman paved roads and bridges; Alto da Cividade offers specific details about fortifications and buildings. Casa Medeiros, the chapel and the history of the parish add architecture and historical context to these themes.

Discover more destinations: Vales, Vilaranda Boa, Fornos do Pinhal, Santa Maria De Emeres

Return to the regional travel overview: Valpaços.