Conhecer Amarante

It is believed that the city and the county owe their origin to primitive peoples who demanded Serra da Aboboreira - where dolmens and other archaeological remains abound - but another hypothesis is not lost: the influence of villages dating back to the Roman period.

In the 12th century, a decisive step was taken. Queen D. Mafalda, wife of D. Afonso Henriques, ordered the construction of Albergaria do Covelo do Tâmega, similar to Albergaria do Sobre Tâmega, in Marco de Canaveses. More than a shelter for travelers and the underprivileged, the Albergaria was born as a symbol of vitality for the region. The population volume would increase around the building. It was located on Rua 31 de Janeiro, having been demolished in 1939, where today you can taste some of Amarante's gastronomy. In the city there would be another hostel that would be located on the current Rua Fr. Paulino Cabral, dated 1192.

But it is by the figure of São Gonçalo that Amarante goes further. Venerated by the people, the Dominican friar comes to the region with an evangelizing intention and quickly lets himself be seduced by the land.

Much of Amarante is, in fact, due to the preacher. The example is in the old medieval bridge, rebuilt by São Gonçalo himself, over the Tâmega river. The work, combined with the saint's fame, explains the strong influx of pilgrims to the territory and the growth of the population. At the same time, the birth of several monasteries and convents would consolidate a region that today stands out for being a true cultural center.

It is in honor of the friar that, in the 16th century, D. João III authorized the construction of the Church of the Convent of São Gonçalo de Amarante, on the site of the primitive chapel, where the preacher will have been buried. The convent is currently a tourist attraction enriched, among other architectural styles, by the Baroque; a mandatory stopping point for any visitor.

The cannonball marks, still visible on the façade of the convent, show an episode of heroic Portuguese resistance. It was the year 1809 when, during the second French invasions, Napoleon Bonaparte's troops were fought, for 14 days, in their intention to cross the bridge of S. Gonçalo, which joins the two banks of the river Tâmega.

History, arts and literature are very present in a city that claims a creative side. After all, Amarante was the birthplace of geniuses who lent their talent to those areas. Names like Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, Agustina Bessa-Luís or Teixeira de Pascoaes will not, in fact, sound strange, even to the most distracted ears.

Participating in the city's festivities, and specifically in the pilgrimage of São Gonçalo, is among the unmissable experiences for those visiting Amarante. And, among the approximately 302 square kilometers of a municipality dressed by the green of the landscape, the choice is difficult, given a very varied offer that includes golf, climbing or bathing in the spa.

Cultural and creative by nature, the city of Amarante gained even more prominence in October 2017, when it was classified by UNESCO as the Creative City of Music. As you will see on this website, there are many reasons that make Amarante the destination not to be missed in Northern Portugal.

Source: https://amarantetourism.com/