Bentraces brings together routes with historical and landscape connections and a diverse architectural history. When planning your trip, you can first consider whether to focus on a walking route or on architecture and local history. The route descriptions, the Pazo de Bentraces and details of the houses provide specific points of reference.

Routes with different points of reference

The historic Camino Termal is part of a historic route between Braga and Ourense and is known as a Way of St James. The municipal route description dates from 2021. The Camino Real descends from Loiro to Bentraces; its municipal description was also published in 2021. While the Camino Termal’s historical context and designation as a Way of St James are its main features, the Camino Real’s direction and endpoints provide a sense of orientation.

The A Boutureira walking route starts in Bentraces. A municipal post dated 19 August 2022 describes this starting point. A path along the banks of the Barreiro stream runs parallel to the irrigation channel for the surrounding vegetable gardens. The stream, channel and gardens shape the landscape along the path.

The descriptions offer different points of reference to help you choose: the Camino Termal’s historical route connection, the Camino Real’s specific direction, A Boutureira’s starting point and the landscape along the Barreiro. If you are planning an outing, check current trail conditions; for the Camino Termal, also check the markings and accessibility.

The Pazo, the Plaza and distinctive houses

The Pazo de Bentraces dates to the 15th century and was a residence of the bishops of the Monastery of Celanova. Its architectural features include Baroque chimneys. Its dating, historical function and architecture offer different perspectives on the same building, without requiring a specific travel plan.

The Plaza del Pomar is in the centre of the old town, with views of the Church of San Benito. The plaza is therefore a specific point of reference if you would like to explore the church and town centre. The houses also contribute to the area’s architectural history: in Bentraces, elevated passageways connect houses on either side of the roads.

Many houses still have this type of window today. In the 1930s and 1940s, neighbours used the windows to pass on coffee, sugar, chocolate, flour and goods obtained in Portugal during raids. This detail links an architectural feature that has survived to the way it was used in everyday life at the time. The town’s history can thus be read not only in a single building, but also in features of its houses.

Plaza del Pomar and historic markets

The historic fair in Bentraces brought together buyers and livestock and wine traders. Later, in 2018 and 2019, fairs featuring artisans and entertainment were held in Plaza del Pomar. The plaza thus appears both as a point of reference in the old town and as a place with a history of different kinds of events.

To help choose your destination, compare these different interests: those interested in historic routes can distinguish between the routes by their historical connection, direction or starting point. Those looking for architectural history will find different subjects in the streetscape of Bentraces, including the Pazo, the Church of San Benito and its distinctive houses.

For an overview of the wider area: Barbadás.