Amarante Attractions
The little town of Amarante (altitude: 125m/410ft.) lies picturesquely on both sides of the Rio Tâmega, on the northwest slopes of the Serra de Marao, about 70km/43mi east of Oporto.
Townscape
The old part of the town has a number of fine burghers' houses of the 16th-18th C., most of them roofed with shingles and surrounded by wooden balconies. The best view of this part of town and the beautiful 18th C. bridge over the Rio Tâmega, the Ponte de Sao Gonçalo, is from the new bridge or one of the cafe terraces on the south bank of the river.
The bridge in Amarante is a popular attraction to visit. Amarante is also particularly popular for its pastries and sweet delicacies.
Townscape
The old part of the town has a number of fine burghers' houses of the 16th-18th C., most of them roofed with shingles and surrounded by wooden balconies. The best view of this part of town and the beautiful 18th C. bridge over the Rio Tâmega, the Ponte de Sao Gonçalo, is from the new bridge or one of the cafe terraces on the south bank of the river.
The bridge in Amarante is a popular attraction to visit. Amarante is also particularly popular for its pastries and sweet delicacies.
Civic Festival
The annual festival of Romaria de Sao Gonçalo on the first Saturday in June is a very popular event. In honor of the town's patron saint, who is also patron of married couples and lovers, it may well be a survival of a pre-Christian fertility cult, phallic-shaped biscuits are traditionally exchanged during the festival.
Hours
June 1 to June 7
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | Closed | |
| Close |
Read More
Ponte de Sao Gonçalo
The Ponte de Sao Gonçalo is a fine three arched granite bridge over to the old town and was built in 1790 to replace an earlier river crossing.
Sao Pedro
The round church of Sao Pedro, above the Convento de Sao Gonçalo, is 17th C. apart from its facade which dates from 1725. The interior is richly decorated with talha dourada and azulejos.
Travanca, Portugal
(Near Amarante)
In a valley about 25km/15mi northwest of Amarante, Travanca is worth visiting for its fortified church belonging to the former Benedictine convent. The church (three aisled), originally founded in 970, was rebuilt in Romanesque style in the 12th C. and has remained substantially unchanged since then apart from the apse added in the 16th C. It has preserved very fine 12th C. sculpture and the main portal abounds with mythical and animal carving.
