Rosário Correia Machado
Director of the Romanesque Route
In the land of the Sousa, Douro and Tamega valleys, in the heart of North Portugal, stands an important architectural heritage of Romanesque origin. Common traits that hold legends and stories born with the foundation of Portugal and that witness the important role that this territory formerly played in the history of the nobility and religious orders in Portugal.
This heritage, expressed in monasteries, churches, chapels, memorials, castles, towers and bridges, is structured in Romanesque Route, that merges the councils of Amarante, Baião, Castelo de Paiva, Celorico de Basto, Cinfães, Felgueiras, Lousada, Marco de Canaveses, Paços de Ferreira, Paredes, Penafiel and Resende.
Accept the invitation to an inspiring journey over 58 monuments. Feel the magic of walking in places where, in the twelfth century, ruled three of the five first Portuguese noble families, such as the Sousa masters, Baião and Ribadouro, of which descends Egas Moniz, the famous steward of D. Afonso Henriques.
The Romanesque Route suggests you custom programs or extended stays, a weekend, or simply for a day, but if you prefer you can make your own route, following our tourist and cultural signs. Whichever option it is advisable to schedule your visit, ensuring the opening of monuments and, if desired, the booking of an technical interpreter of the heritage.
Come see a Route founded in the Romanesque memories. Let yourself be challenged by passionate secrets spaces and unique monuments, and discover the origins of Portugal. Get inspired by the nature, gastronomy, in the traditions of our people and be part of our history.