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Roman and Medieval Ponte de LimaPerfect Base for Exploring Northern PortugalManor house hotels set in vineyards, a Roman bridge, a Medieval pilgrim route, show gardens, cycling paths and Lusitanian horses draw travelers to Ponte de Lima.
The importance of the bridge crossing the Lima River in this town in northern Portugal is clear from the town’s name, which translates to Bridge of Lima. The Romans built it to connect their Iberian settlements, and five of its original arches still span the wide river today. Medieval PilgrimsThe rest of the bridge dates from the Middle Ages, when the bridge was the way for pilgrims to cross on their way to Santiago de Compostella, not far north in Spain’s Galicia. The newly-restored building at the north end of the bridge was a pilgrim’s hostel, and in the narrow street behind the 14th-century tower in Ponte de Lima’s Medieval center you can find wide windows where the pilgrims were given food as they passed through town. Close by is the Igreja Matriz, the main church, with a fine Romanesque doorway and a vaulted chapel with a deeply carved wooden altar. On the riverbank in the convent of a baroque church (this one has a deeply carved altar covered in gold) is Museu dos Terceiros filled with both sacred and folk art. Important Market TownOurivesaria Matos, facing onto Largo de Camoes, preserves Ponte de Lima’s centuries-old reputation for fine gold work. In Medieval times, even peasant women turned their market profits into gold jewelry. Inside the shop are stunning museum-quality replicas of historic goldwork. Along with the bridge – and because of it – Ponte de Lima was important as a market town. Its market, held on alternate Mondays, is still one of the largest in northern Portugal. Gardens to VisitScattered among Ponte de Lima’s lovely old buildings are gardens, and two more line the riverbank opposite. On the right as you cross the bridge (the historic bridge has been replaced by a new one, and is reserved for pedestrians now) is a group of historical gardens. These are authentic replicas of gardens from Roman, Renaissance and Baroque eras, and also along the riverbank here is a museum of antique farm equipment. On the opposite side of the bridge, the riverbank is the venue for the annual International Garden Festival, which is held May through October. For the entire summer and fall the area is covered in theme gardens, which are created new each year. Horses, Kayaks and BikesPonte de Lima is popular with travelers not just for its history and its beautiful streets and gardens to stroll. It is a good place to settle in for a few days to enjoy its sports traditions. Kayaks and bicycles are for rent at Acude (tel: 258 944 158), a restaurant on the river at the International Garden Festival site. From there are several miles of riverside park for pedaling, and the river for paddling. Centre Equestre, not far from the center of town, offers riding lessons and a chance to see Portugal’s own Lusitanian horses. Watch riders train horses as you enjoy lunch or dinner at Picadeiro (tel: 258 943 834), an excellent restaurant overlooking the training ring. Nearby is Golfe de Ponte de Lima, with a modern clubhouse, lodgings and two 9-hole loops (Solares de Portugal guests get a 20% discount). Manor House HotelsSolares de Portugal, an organization of manor houses and solars that welcome overnight guests, is another reason for choosing Ponte de Lima as a place to spend some time. Although these delightful lodgings are found all over northern Portugal, there are more of them here than anywhere else. And the finest of all overlooks the town from its stunning gardens and vineyards. Paco de Calheiros is the star of the Solares de Portugal program, which –like Paco de Calheiros -- is presided over by the present Duke of Calheiros. Rooms are nicely updated, furnished with family antiques. Staying in a manor house instead of a hotel has the added advantage that guests get to be part of local life, with advice from local hosts on what to do and see.
The copyright of the article Roman and Medieval Ponte de Lima in Portugal Travel is owned by Barbara Rogers. Permission to republish Roman and Medieval Ponte de Lima in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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