Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Paredes, Portugal

Paredes, located in the Porto District, is a town and municipality bordering the Sousa River Valley. This picturesque area of northern Portugal is distinguished by its vineyard-covered hills and farms that cultivate the delectable casca de carvalho melons. The Romanesque Route, which traverses this region, is adorned with historic monuments from the medieval period, including two remarkable churches and the remnants of a castle that played a role in the conflicts with the Moors during the 10th century.

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely afternoon sampling vinho verde wine at an enchanting historic estate, tour museums housed within palatial buildings, and explore the ruins of an ancient settlement that once held power over much of northwest Iberia.

Let’s delve into the best things to do in Paredes:

1. Igreja de São Pedro do Mosteiro de Cete

Recognizable by its fortress-like quadrangular tower, this medieval church is designated as a National Monument and serves as an essential stop on the Sousa Valley’s Rota do Românico (Romanesque Route). Construction began in the 1000s, with various reconstructions occurring up to the 1300s, resulting in a blend of Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.

History enthusiasts will find much to appreciate here, including the cloister from the 1500s, featuring stone sarcophagi within its garden, as well as the funerary chapel dedicated to the monastery’s founder, Gonçalo Oveques, adorned with his decorative 12th-century tomb and Mudéjar tiles from the 1500s.

2. Pelourinho de Paredes

Designated as a “Property of Public Interest,” the pillory of Paredes was relocated to its present position in front of the former town hall (now music academy) in the 1600s.

During this time, Paredes was chosen as the locale for the local government due to its strategic position along the road from Vila Real to Porto, subsequently evolving into the largest town in the area.

Although the pillory was dismantled at the close of the 19th century, it was swiftly restored in the 1930s.

It is somewhat unsettling to consider the appearance of this monument 400 years ago; it served as a site for public humiliation of criminals, with dismembered body parts potentially displayed here as a deterrent for others.

3. Casa de Cultura de Paredes

In the 19th century, Joaquim Bernardo Mendes, who was born nearby in Penafiel and returned wealthy from Brazil, commissioned this extravagant palace.

The Palacete da Granja displays several Neoclassical characteristics typical of “Brasileiro” architecture, including a balustrade along the roof, an impressive pediment, and a facade adorned with hand-painted yellow geometric tiles from the Fábrica de Massarelos in Porto.

Grand enough to host King Carlos in 1895, the heritage site was transformed into a cultural center in 1997, featuring an auditorium, outdoor amphitheater, and temporary art exhibitions.

4. Quinta da Aveleda

More than simply a winery, this estate, located a few minutes from Paredes, features captivating gardens and whimsical ivy-covered buildings.

During your tour of the grounds, wine makers may take a backseat to the enchanting landscape.

The grounds follow an English style and contain fountains, waterfalls, ponds, moss-covered stairways, and various follies and monuments that trace back 300 years, each with an intriguing narrative.

A stone tower serves as a play area for the estate’s goats.

While visiting a winery without sampling vinho verde is unusual, Quinta da Aveleda also produces premium cheese and brandy, all available in the shop following the tour.

5. Mosteiro de Paço de Sousa

On the Romanesque Route, another medieval monastic church awaits discovery just south of the town.

Established as a Benedictine community in the 900s, it served as a refuge for local clergy during the incursion of the Muslim leader Almanzor in 995. This deceptively spacious Romanesque-Gothic church features three naves and a striking rose window on its facade.

Ensure you do not depart without viewing the remarkable 12th-century tomb of Egas Moniz, who was the preceptor for Portugal’s inaugural king, Afonso Henriques.

6. Circuito Aberto de Arte Pública

Paredes has recently implemented a regeneration strategy, aiming to rebrand itself as a hub of creativity.

This initiative has resulted in 17 unique and innovative public sculptures, created by esteemed artists such as José Pedro Croft and Rui Chafes, providing a touch of whimsy to the local environment.

Many of these installations invite public interaction, including “Funny Games,” a swing set designed to resemble gallows, and “Vaso,” a large vase circling a tree trunk that includes a bench with a sustainability message.

7. Torre do Castelo de Aguiar de Sousa

Located in the parish of Aguiar de Sousa, this area once hosted a formidable medieval castle constructed around the 9th century.

In 995, it endured an assault by the famed commander Almanzor during his campaign towards Braga and Compostela.

However, due to the challenging topography and nearby elevated hills, the fortress was ultimately abandoned.

Today, visitors can see the ruins of a solitary tower surrounded by the remnants of a wall.

This monument is along the Romanesque Route and underwent renovations in 2009, featuring steps that lead to a vantage point overlooking the Sousa Valley.

8. Aqueduto e Tanques de Cimo de Vila

Situated in Vila Cova de Carros, this aqueduct possesses an ancient appearance.

The supporting pillars, crafted from deeply etched granite blocks, sustain a channel that spans half a kilometer across a valley.

This aqueduct delivered water from two wells to a set of tanks that are also worthy of admiration.

Featuring an architectural style unique to the Paredes area, it dates back to the early decades of the 19th century.

Be sure to take note of the stone carvings of gargoyles adorning one of the tanks.

9. “Canhão” da Senhora do Salto

Near the village of Aguiar de Sousa, the waters of the River Sousa have carved a profound canyon through the stone.

These rocks are among the oldest on the Iberian Peninsula, tracing back to the Precambrian and Paleozoic eras.

The rugged shale and quartzite walls, resistant to erosion, rise steeply above the river.

These rocky cliffs are popular among climbers, who find ample grips and footholds.

If admiring the landscape is more your style, there is a small picnic area at the top of the cliff, complemented by a quaint old chapel.

10. Castro de Monte Mozinho

“Castros” are Bronze Age hilltop citadels scattered throughout the northern Portuguese landscape.

Not far from here is Castro de Monte Mozinho, located outside the village of Galegos.

Covering an area of 20 hectares, it is a site that sparks the imagination, featuring a network of paved streets and the dry-stone walls of numerous structures, all fortified by ramparts that are over 2,000 years old.

A variety of Celtic, Roman, Visigothic, and Moorish remnants can be found here, with a prevailing theory suggesting this castro may have served as the capital of a Galician tribe.

At the highest point of this settlement lies an unusual oval-shaped area, which may have served as a public space for ceremonial purposes.

11. Penafiel

Adjacent to Paredes, the town of Penafiel merits at least an afternoon visit.

The Santuário do Sameiro, a 19th-century chapel perched atop the highest hill in the town, features a dignified stairway that leads visitors through a scenic park to its summit.

If the Castro de Monte Mozinho piqued your interest, Penafiel’s award-winning municipal museum houses relics like coins, pottery, and utensils from that site.

This museum occupies a 17th-century mansion that received a modern extension designed by acclaimed architect Fernando Távora in 2005.

12. Porto

Once you access the A4, this UNESCO World Heritage City is merely 20 minutes away.

This expedition promises an unforgettable experience, as Porto offers something for everyone; in fact, it provides a diverse array of attractions appealing to numerous interests. For iconic sights, the image of the Dom Luís I Bridge is unparalleled.

This bridge spans the Douro River, flanked by traditional wooden rabelo sailboats beneath and stands as one of the most recognizable landmarks in Portugal.

Gastronomy enthusiasts can refine their taste for port wine, while art and culture aficionados may appreciate the Art Deco architecture and art museum at Serralves or the landmark Casa da Música designed by Rem Koolhaas.

The city is also home to stunning beaches, vibrant neighborhoods like Foz and Ribeira, and world-class seafood available in Matosinhos.

13. Magikland

Situated five kilometers from Paredes, Magikland provides an entertaining day out for families with children around the age of 10.

This small theme park features carnival rides including bumper cars, a Ferris wheel, and carousels, along with several larger permanent attractions like a log flume, rollercoaster, and a train that runs through a lush forest.

On hot summer days, you’ll appreciate the park’s pool designated for younger visitors to enjoy.

For dining, a family-friendly restaurant is available within the park, or families may prefer to bring their picnic to the tables situated in the cool pine woods.

14. Vinho Verde

Quinta da Aveleda is recognized as the largest producer of vinho verde in the region.

If you have yet to encounter this unique drink, be sure to try a bottle at some point during your travels.

Vinho verde is a youthful wine, available in red, white, or rosé variants, and typically matures for only a few weeks.

This wine often possesses a light fizz: whites are characterized by their tart and crisp flavor profiles, while reds are light and easy to drink.

Vinho verde pairs excellently with white meat, fish, and seafood, yet can also be enjoyed by itself, particularly when served as cold as possible (even the reds!).

15. Cuisine

A traditional meal often enjoyed during celebrations and family gatherings is roast kid goat.

This dish is prepared in a wood-fired oven alongside potatoes, with orange zest and coriander enhancing its flavor.

During summer, melão casca de carvalho (“oak bark melon”), recognized by its textured skin, is a delightful treat enjoyed on its own or with presunto ham.

Broa de milho (corn bread) is widely popular across Portugal, but is particularly emblematic in Paredes and is an essential item to acquire from local bakeries.

A beloved dessert in the Porto district is sopa seca doce (dry soup), typically enjoyed during public holidays, which resembles a bread pudding made from leftover bread, cinnamon, and sweet wine.