Summary
Situated in the Sousa Valley of Northern Portugal, Felgueiras is a quaint rural town often overlooked by many travel guides. However, it features various attractions along two regional trails. The Vinho Verde Route traverses through Felgueiras, offering visitors an opportunity to explore local vineyards while gaining insight into the production process of this exquisite wine.
Additionally, a Romanesque trail exists nearby, showcasing several medieval churches that have remarkably preserved their architecture for over nine centuries. Notably, Felgueiras has also long been recognized as a center of excellence for lacework and embroidery, a tradition maintained by the Casa do Risco, where artisans are trained in fine needlework.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Felgueiras:
1. Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Pombeiro
Established in the 11th century, this site was once among Northern Portugal’s prominent Benedictine monasteries and currently holds the status of a National Monument.
The complex underwent significant renovations in the 18th century; nevertheless, remnants of Romanesque architecture from the early 1000s still remain.
Those interested in history should examine the radiating chapels located in the apse, alongside the intricately designed main portal.
The main portal features five meticulously crafted archivolts supported by columns adorned with carved capitals, all beneath an elegant rose window.
Among the more recent additions, the unfinished Classical cloister presents an intriguing sight, characterized by a coat of arms and a balustrade lining the roof.
2. Igreja de Santa Maria de Airães
This church, also a National Monument, originates from the High Middle Ages and likely dates back to the 1100s.
Despite later renovations akin to those at the Monastery of Pombeiro, the modifications do little to diminish the building’s inherent elegance.
The original features are most evident on the portal, which showcases four archivolts and capitals embellished with ornate foliate designs.
The nave is supported by robust circular pillars, while gilt-wood retables adorn the outer aisles.
In the central chancel, visitors can admire the intricate vaulting and walls partially adorned with patterned azulejos.
3. Villa Romana de Sendim
In 1992, during the construction of a residence, Roman foundations along with an assortment of ceramics, glass, coins, and metal tools were unearthed in the parish of Sendim.
Artifacts recovered from the excavation are displayed at the villa’s interpretation center, with some fragments meticulously reconstructed.
The villa, dating from the 1st century, may surprise visitors with its impressive scale.
A metal canopy encases the site, allowing visitors to traverse the ruins via a walkway, offering views of the heating system and floors adorned with opus signinum (decorative broken tiles) and striking polychrome mosaics featuring geometric patterns.
4. Casa das Artes
This prominent performing arts center in Felgueiras was both funded and designed by Antão José de Fonseca Moreira, a local resident who prospered in Brazil during the early 20th century.
Upon returning, he erected an enduring monument for the town, which was inaugurated in 1921 with a performance of a play penned by Moreira himself during its opening night. Although highly regarded, the venue fell into disrepair towards the end of the 20th century before being acquired by the municipality and subsequently restored.
A café is located within the building, alongside a program featuring talks, live music performances, and film screenings.
5. Igreja de São Vicente de Sousa
This additional National Monument is another example of medieval architecture.
While modest in size, it features numerous captivating attributes that draw visitors’ attention.
Two medieval inscriptions are visible on the walls, with one dating back to 1162 to commemorate a burial, and the other inscribed in 1214 marking the church’s dedication.
A Romanesque portal also exists here, with enthusiasts of this architectural style likely to be intrigued by the distinctive manner in which the entrance protrudes from the main structure, resembling a small vestibule.
Additionally, the corbels on the south facade imply the historical presence of an attached cloister.
The ceiling paintings, polychrome sculptures, and altar within the chancel date back to the 1600s.
6. Vinho Verde
The Vinho Verde Route meanders through Felgueiras, winding through picturesque hills adorned with a patchwork of vineyards.
For those unfamiliar with vinho verde, it is a distinctive wine variety unique to northwestern Portugal and the southern region of Galicia.
In this context, “verde” signifies the youthfulness of the wine, producing light and fruity reds, as well as fresh and crisp whites that often possess a subtle effervescence.
In and around Felgueiras, visitors can explore the complete narrative through guided tours and tasting sessions at the Quinta da Lixa, or browse the offerings at the local farmers’ cooperative, a treasure trove of wines and locally produced delicacies like kiwi jam.
7. Local Sights
While the following attractions are not specifically arranged for public tours, they offer significant value as you traverse through Felgueiras.
One such site is Casa de Valmelhorado, constructed in the early 1700s atop a plateau overlooking the Pombeiro Monastery.
This Baroque country house is integrated with an older medieval fortified tower, providing a unique blend of historical architecture.
Casa de Simães, another noteworthy site, is an 18th-century mansion featuring older adjoining structures encircled by high walls, proudly displaying the family crest.
Visitors can enjoy a brief tour of the gardens, replete with a fountain and Baroque sculptures.
8. Romanesque Route
Due to the abundance of medieval architecture surrounding Felgueiras, a designated Romanesque Route (Rota do Românico) has been established, encompassing several towns in the Sousa Valley.
In addition to the three monuments previously discussed, one notable example is the Igreja do Salvador de Unhão, founded in the 12th century, which retains its original nave.
Another significant site is Igreja de São Mamede de Vila Verde, which dates back to at least the 1220s.
If your enthusiasm for medieval architecture remains unsatisfied, consider visiting nearby locations such as Penafiel, Amarante, or Marco de Canaveses for additional explorations.
9. Amarante
This charming town shares borders with the Felgueiras municipality and is rich in historical landmarks and attractions.
Many of its most captivating scenes are situated along the riverbanks, where houses precariously extend over the water.
The town is also home to the remarkable Ponte de São Gonçalo, with a history dating back to Roman times, although this structure exhibits Baroque and Neoclassical elements from the 18th century.
The Igreja de São Gonçalo, adorned with a terracotta dome and intricate facade, beautifully complements the bridge.
Furthermore, visitors can enjoy excellent museum exhibits, historic churches, and a designated nature trail along the rocky banks of the Tâmega River.
10. Traditional Crafts
Felgueiras is renowned for the skillful craftsmanship and diligence of its residents, surpassing all other towns in the region in lacework artisanship.
For those who appreciate filet lace, cross-stitch, and similar crafts, a visit to Casa do Risco is highly recommended.
Established in a grand 19th-century building that overlooks the Sousa and Tâmega valleys, its mission is to set the standard for needlework in the area and to educate local artisans.
The facility hosts workshops, studios, and regular exhibitions for needlework enthusiasts.
Shoemaking is yet another significant craft of Felgueiras; those seeking bargains or desiring to witness the origin of this craft can visit one of the ten factory outlets available in the town.
