Discover the Route of the Romanesque with Vinho Verde
We have incorporated the flavors of Vinho Verde into five iconic monuments along the Route of the Romanesque. This tourist-cultural trail in northern Portugal features 58 Romanesque-style monuments and intersects with the Route of Vinho Verde. Walking the Vinho Verde Route allows visitors to uncover the origins and flavors of ancient wine culture, delving deep into Portugal’s history. The combination proves ideal.
The Romanesque Style
In the Sousa, Douro, and Tâmega Valleys, a legacy of Romanesque origin transports us to legends and stories from the foundation of the Portuguese nation. Emerging in Portugal at the end of the 11th century, the Romanesque style reflects a broader European cultural movement, bringing the Clunic monastic reform and Roman liturgy to the Iberian Peninsula. Predominantly religious, Romanesque architecture closely links to ecclesiastical organization and monastic orders from the 12th and 13th centuries. The spread of the Romanesque style focuses more on territorial organization than the Reconquista.
Five Must-See Monuments
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro
Situated in Felgueiras, this monastery, founded in 1102 by D. Gomes Echiegues and his wife Gontroda, stands between two major medieval roads. It functioned as a resting place for kings and a hostel for pilgrims.
The Monastery of the Savior of Paço de Sousa
This significant Benedictine monastery, founded in the 10th century by Trutesendo Galindes and his wife Anímia, is associated with the Ribadouro family. It serves as the burial site of Egas Moniz, the tutor of Afonso I of Portugal.
The Monastery of Salvador de Travanca
Located in Amarante, this site features an isolated tower, one of the tallest Portuguese medieval towers, with a symbolic military design.
The Bridge at the End of the Street
Referenced in Camilo Castelo Branco’s works, this bridge was one of the two passageways between Amarante and Trás-os-Montes. It is still known as the Aboadela Bridge.
The Arch Bridge
Found in Marco de Canaveses, this bridge spans the River Ovelha. Its single, large, slightly pointed arch stands as a striking architectural feature.
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The Vinho Verde Wine Route
Take the opportunity to visit Vinho Verde farms along the Route of the Romanesque. Produced in the Demarcated Region of Vinhos Verdes in northwest Portugal, Vinho Verde derives from native grape varieties, preserving its distinctive aromas and flavors. The Vinho Verde Route spans 49 municipalities, showcasing beaches, mountains, valleys, and rivers.
The vineyards, concentrated along rivers and influenced by the Atlantic, feature vines that climb trees, trellises, and field borders. These vineyards are spread over nine sub-regions: Monção and Melgaço, Lima, Basto, Cávado, Ave, Amarante, Baião, Sousa, and Paiva. Vinho Verde is renowned for its vibrant freshness, elegance, lightness, and fruity, floral notes.
Visiting a Vinho Verde farm on the Route of the Romanesque uncovers the deep connection between monasteries and wine production, dating back to the 10th-11th centuries. Recommended Vinho Verde farms include Quinta da Tapada, Quinta de Lourosa, Quinta da Aveleda, Quinta de Santa Cristina, Quinta da Lixa, and Quinta do Outeiro.
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The Monverde Wine Experience Hotel
Extend your stay and experience the Monverde Wine Experience Hotel, where luxury and refinement await at the table. Enjoy an unforgettable stay, immersing yourself in the vineyard, wine, and natural beauty.
Discover the flavors of Vinho Verde, crafted from indigenous grapes, and uncover the rich cultural tapestry of Romanesque architecture. Join us for an unforgettable journey through centuries of heritage and taste.
