St. Michaelis Church of Entre-os-Rios

The Church of Saint Michael of Entre-os-Rios is located on the right bank of the river Tamega, perfectly framed with the surrounding vegetation, an important territory at the time of the Reconquista.
This monument is an example of "Romanesque resistance" even having suffered a reform probably in the fourteenth century.
The main portal no longer features columns or eardrum and the bow is broken. It is remarkable that the north portal be more ornate than the main portal. This presents an archivolt decorated with motifs in diamond tip and leaves eight petals.
The whole church is built of granite blocks, however, are not visible any site marks. The exception is an acronym found in one of the main facade of the blocks.
When we entered, our attention was immediately directed to the covered wooden ceiling. Up ahead the cruise bow is broken, based on imposed, without columns and decorated with vegetal elements.
The altar is completed by the altarpiece in resplendent gilded. The church underwent a profound intervention in the modern age, but there still remains, da era medieval, arcosolium one that housed a tomb.
We went out again to the morning sun without knowing the landscape that we would find a little ahead ...

Marmoiral Sobrado

The Marmoiral Sobrado, also known as Marmoiral Boavista, It is located at Castelo de Paiva doors in a place recovered by the Romanesque Route to return the monument to the population.

Unlike other memorials, the Sobrado Marmoiral has no bow. It presents yes, two Latin crosses recorded at each end and two horizontal slabs. The top shows a cross inside a triangle and the lower one shows a sword and a Greek cross.

This memorial can be connected to the passage of the funeral procession D. Mafalda, daughter of D. Sancho I, bound for the Arouca monastery, but it is also present in many local legends. What San Antonio is about Castelo de Paiva? Look in our curiosities. (here)

Church of Our Lady of the Nativity of Escamarão

When we arrive, the pavement next to the Church of Our Lady of the Nativity Escamarão was receiving the finishing touches. One of the side we found the location of the cemetery with full view of the river.

This church, located at the confluence of the rivers Paiva and Douro features a lateness seen the portals do not have speakers or tympanum and archivolts settle directly in the right feet of the walls. What really stands out is the window with traces of Gothic Manueline, in the chancel, rosacea and to do Triumphal Arch summit.

Despite the lateness, we continue to see the theme of pearls, so significant in Roman times.

There remains granite. The liturgical furniture is already in modern times and even a mural of the sixteenth century only survived until the early twentieth century.

Church of Santa Maria Maggiore of Tarouquela

It was one of the first female monasteries of the order of St. Benedict south of the Douro despite initially nuns follow the Rule of St. Augustine and then, with D. Magpie, daughter of Egas Moniz de Ortigosa, It changed the habit and the nuns moved to the Benedictine order.
Its origin dates back to the mid-twelfth century and is associated with Ramiro Gonçalves and his wife D. Ouruana Nunes who built a monastery on land acquired Egas Moniz and your wife.
It was run by abbesses until the passage of the nuns to the monastery of St. Benedict of Hail Mary (Oporto). At last abbess Tarouquela (and the first of St. Benedict) was D. Maria de Melo, from the Arouca monastery.
In architectural and ornamental terms this building is very rich. So we approach the main entrance, jump to view the two animals that flank the door. They are so-called "dog Tarouquela". Indeed, no one is quite sure whether they will be even dogs, but will have a protective character to repulse evil. The eardrum sees another curious element: a flor-de-lis, a Marian symbol.
The interior does not disappoint. A pair of windows above the triumphal arch makes us come to light in the eyes. The arch is decorated with what is called a beak-heads, animal heads that remind us wolves or demonic figures.
The main chapel has cracks praised by decorated columns and arches. White predominates and conveys a sense of peace, until the altarpiece, target and grand. The exception is painting the ceiling that promises a blue sky.
We are forwarded to the sacristy, where was the funeral chapel of St. John the Baptist. There can better contemplate the beauty of Romanesque crack, frieze below and the details in dogs. It is here that remains one of the most bizarre figures found. One of the apse of the dogs is the exhibitionist theme in which a man, squatting, secure their genitals. Outside, on the opposite elevation there is a female representation with highlighted sex. Let us not forget that the decor may have a role to educate the faithful and scare them away from the danger of sin.

Church of St. Christopher of Nogueira

With the façade facing the Douro valley, Church of St. Christopher of Nogueira was dramatically changed in the modern era with the reconstruction of the chancel in the late eighteenth century. The large windows were, as well, added in later interventions.

Even so, the church has Romanesque characteristics Resistance. Its building points to the transition from the XII century to the thirteenth century. The main portal has no columns, but the archivolts are decorated with the theme of pearls, quite common in this region.

They are curious reasons carved in the South portal: two clenched hands placed on both imposed securing an object that appears to be a key.

It also appears a frieze with Braga palmettes on the side of the building, suggesting have been a reuse of a previous building.

Dogs are surprisingly well carved and heroically withstood the test of time. See perfectly a man to drink from a gourd, animal heads and heads of men with curly hair, but the ex-libris of this temple is the dog showing two human figures embraced, known as "the lovers".

The interior is a gilded explosion latest styles, as the national style in the side altarpieces and the Joanine Baroque altarpiece in. The ship's ceiling 57 panels created a bright santoral: saints linked to the Catholic Reform, bishops, apostles and martyrs and intercessors well known of the popular devotional.

Ponte da Panchorra

The Bridge Panchorra is framed in one of those idyllic places where it is not necessary to move.

To get there we crossed the mountains through the wind mills on one of those journeys we want to put in the memory forever.

Nearby is born Cabrum river that stretches over 10 kms flows into the Douro. We were lucky because it rained not long ago and the flow still was heard. In the summer, the river can dry, but in winter is certain his presence, as well as, da name.

The bridge has two arcs with regular ashlars contrary to the remaining structure. Served the sole purpose of crossing the river Cabrum by the shepherds, carts and locals and never intended to be a monumental work.

Nowadays, run, parallel to the river, a path that can be traversed on foot or by bike. It is, without doubt, one of the places where you feel like staying longer in pure contemplation.

Monastery of Santa Maria de Cárquere

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Cárquere is connected to the first years of nationality. Legend has it that here was where the Infante Afonso Henriques (later the first king of Portugal) He was cured by the Virgin Mary after the schoolmaster Egas Moniz have it placed on the altar. Later was the pantheon of powerful family of Resendes, until the fifteenth century.
The Romanesque left a crack in the chapel of linhagista Resendes and the tower, which would be separate from the main building, but who, in later interventions, eventually be attached. One of the crack outside the archivolts arise beak-heads.
In the interior, little remains of the Romanesque was replaced, over time, for more modern styles such as the Manueline and Baroque. Contiguous altarpieces the triumphal arch have an ingenious feature. Gutters have been added which can slide eventually "close" the entrance to the chancel. But for good reason. Behind the altar pieces are hidden two murals. On the right side, one of Saint Anthony and Saint Lucia and representation, on the left side, a set of angels.
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Cárquere is also famous by the images of the Virgin Mary as this is a Marian shrine. An altarpiece is perfectly visible on the left side. This is the White Lady or Lady Milk, since it is made of lime and, according to legend, provides breast milk to mothers who do not have it. The second Virgin, a de Cárquere, It is protected in a vault outside the monastery. It is an image with 2,9 centimeters high, made of ivory, whose origin is not consensual. The picture shows the Virgin Mary sitting, with child in arms.
And the legend of the healing of the first king of Portugal is true? That we do not know. But we were privileged to find out where the hidden ancient altar of the monastery. Great.

Church of St. Martin of Moors

An architecture quite different from all other churches. The military aspect conveys a sense of intransponibilidade and security.

Na parte superior, a cornice leans over a Lombard band, reason widely used in Romanesque basins of the Sousa and Tâmega, whose angle bows are sustained by dogs with animal forms.

Na facade / tower, which occupies the entire width of the church, We find the main portal that presents archivolts supported by capitals with animal themes and vegetables. It can be seen, also, one enxaquetado frieze.

In the chancel of the outer face there is the inscription "1217", proof that this church was built in a later period, already in the thirteenth century.

In the interior, the ashlars of granite are smooth and devoid of color. Three narrow aisles crowned by domes, supported by two tall, robust pillars quadrangular, mark the first room of the church. Por do Triumphal Arch summit, an oculus competes with the gap behind us in light of gift to the ship.

In the chancel, the main altarpiece is already national Baroque. Highlights-is or Eucharistic throne, dominated by a representation of the Ascension of Christ. On the ceiling, several bins have scenes from the life of saints in magnificent paintings.

We returned to the outside, but prior to or next destination partirmos, We kill the seat on stone fountain which is on the south side of the church.

Church of Santa Maria de Barrô

The Church of Santa Maria de Barrô faces the Douro River, on the left bank. It is framed in a magnificent setting, with vineyards and houses scattered around. At slow, the sun beats on its façade giving it an orange cast.
This is a late Romanesque building dating back to the thirteenth century. The archivolts of the main portal are already broken, although the archivolts that frame the rose window are perfectly round. Noteworthy is the portal tympanum presents a very ornate cross leaked.
Inside the church reigns granite. The headwaters Romance, intimate, lower and narrower than the ship, creators of gathering spaces, a succession of the large and bright Gothic headboards, open to the faithful.
Prominent worthy, in the chancel, is the sculptural group of Calvary, eccentric dimensions, made up of Christ crucified, the Virgin and St. John the Evangelist.

St. James Church of Valadares

The St. James Church of Valadares is a good example of a Romanesque building resistance, marked by the Middle Ages adversity: few resources, distant from the main centers, manor and ecclesiastical interference, etc.
The archivolt in the main portal is entered in front of the wall showing the reason of pearls. At the top, near the roof, two torn prints on stone show representations of animals in each side.
Inside stands out the white ceiling with a representation of St. James "swashbuckler", framed all round in shades of red, Blue and copper. You see the subsequent intervention that the church received through the large windows opening to let in more light to the ship.
The chapel is filled by the altarpiece, latest and coffered ceiling. But the best was yet to come. Opening a door in the altarpiece, we back this and found an amazing set of murals. These show scenes divided by several panels: Holy Catherine of Alexandria, Lamentation over the Dead Christ, St. James, St. Barbara and St. Paul. On the north wall, a set of fantastic animals remind us of Hell and his demons.
The Romanesque churches have this particularity: its exterior appearance can be austere, cold and granite but hidden inside, not infrequently, a dizzying wealth.

Esmoriz Bridge

The Punchbowl is Bridge over the river Ovil, surrounded by culture terras.

To achieve have to walk a little by a stone path bordered by high walls, but we do not complain. This region is nice to walk and feel the fresh air of nature.

Despite belonging to the Romanesque Route, this bridge was probably built between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, perhaps replacing an old medieval building. It presents a perfect arch, slightly raised tray with guards, but without carving tides or buttresses.

Contrary to popular belief, not always the stony bridges signaled place of heavy traffic or national route, where pilgrims walked in demand of the great medieval shrines. Mais prosaic, the local reality makes up for everyday needs, how to ensure good passage of cattle to pasture.

Monastery of St. Andrew Ancede

The St. Andrew's Monastery Ancede was the head of an extensive religious heritage as well as economic. The monks knew how to take advantage of its strategic position along the Douro, the exploitation of natural resources, the managing techniques to create an important trading post centered on the production and export of wine and administration of rents that stemmed from the numerous properties.
We arrived at the foot of what was a great monastic complex, with multiple buildings and farmland. Now, denotes the ruins of what was once.
The Romanesque little subsisted. The most visible element is the rose window in the back wall of the chancel. They are also the Romanesque period vestments in the north and south elevations of the headboard, testimonies of what will have been the Romanesque church until the arrival of the Dominicans, that destroyed the church in 1559, leaving only the head.
There stands the tile set in blue, the dark ceiling and reliquaries, especially the holy head of Ancede. It is a silver housing, sem lavores, guarding part of a human skull, allegedly belonging to an ancient canon of Ermelo that regrante, before and after dying, apparently healed anger. Was venerated in one of the side altars of the church where, on 1 of May, flocked popular in the area for healing or relief.
Now we go through the vast churchyard towards a small rounded aspect of building. This is the Lord's Chapel of the Good Order. This temple built in 1731 It is a magnificent example of Baroque. The space has an octagonal shape and so we entered we seem to be immersed in theater. The ship has six altarpieces, like little stage where pass scenes of Jesus Christ's life from the Annunciation to the Presentation in the Temple. Ahead is the main altarpiece with imagery of the Passion of Christ, Glorious and Sorrowful Mysteries culminating with the Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin. Stands a recumbent Christ, in the central box at ground level, done in polychrome clay.
Before moving path can not fail to visit the ruins next to the church, the Interpretive Centre of Vine and Wine where you know the old barns, wineries, mills and the fifth. Please also see the exhibits that are there. Take the opportunity to sit in one of the chairs while sampling a tasty cherry liqueur made in the fifth monastery. Unmissable.

Chapel of Our Lady of Fandinhães Livração

The Romanesque Route has these things. Towards the end of this trip and still have the ability to surprise us. Support a 500 meters, overlooking the mountains and the valley along what appear to be the ruins of a church.

As a matter of fact, not yet known for certain what happened to the Chapel of the Lady of Fandinhães Livração. Studies and archaeological excavations at the site trying to conclude if the ship this temple was demolished (if so, foi certainly before 1758) or if the ship was never completed. It is a puzzle that is waiting to be unraveled.

Over the years, the chapel has seen the cult of St. Martin, followed by the worship of São Brás and then by invoking Mariana. Now, we see only the main portal will have been placed where the triumphal arch.

In floor, at the door, rest two slabs. The larger has recorded a sword and the other, smallest, It was designed a simple cross.

The capitals are carved figures Atlanteans edges which rest on protruding leaves. They are also present the notorious beak-heads a ornamentar as aduelas da fresta sul.

There is only an altarpiece in national baroque style which holds the image of the current patron, as well as, that of their predecessors.

Take the opportunity to be delighted by the view and take some pictures for posterity. Vale a pena…

Memorial Alpendorada

The Alpendorada Memorial confused with the surroundings. Fortunately, the Romanesque Route is aware of this type of conditioning and signals the monument as best as possible.

This is near the intersection of national roads 210 and 108, in a residential area. It's not the original location seen these memorials are usually built in more isolated locations, although with major roads. Its translocation was made during the decade of 1970.

This monument was built in granite, shows a structure which approximates the Hermitage, Penafiel. It comprises a base with two well-equipped rows, that overlaps one perfect arch, composed of ten smooth staves.

The parallelepiped slab is engraved a long sword so if you might be a memorial of a nobleman or knight.