
CALVELO
Our Home Village, Shaped by Over a Thousand Years of History
Casa das Descobertas is located in Calvelo at the base of Monte de São Veríssimo in the southern part of the Ponte de Lima municipality. Calvelo, a small village with a population of around 700, is a treasure trove of history. At the top of the mountain are ruins of an old monastery dedicated to S. Veríssimo and his sisters, Santa Máxima and Santa Júlia, who were martyred around the year 360 during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletianus. By the late 15th century, the Benedictine monastery was dissolved and became a commendation of the Order of Christ. This was a reorganization of the Knights Templar, which had become too powerful and was banned by Pope John XXII in 1319.
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One notable historical site in Calvelo is the Casa de Mereces, which belonged to the Rego family, descendants of Mem de Gondar, an Asturian nobleman who came to Portugal in 1093 with Count Henrique, the father of Portugal’s first king Afonso Henriques (Afonso I). Furthermore, Queen Mafalda, wife of Afonso Henriques, contributed to the foundation of the Chapel of St. Veríssimo, an important pilgrimage site for those traveling along the Santiago de Compostela route. When staying in Calvelo, Queen Mafalda lived in Casa de Pousada, a beautiful old manor house next to Casa das Descobertas.
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Calvelo, closely tied to the Portuguese nobility through the Order of Christ, exudes a sense of grandeur and historical importance. During the 16th century, the Commandery of the Order of Calvelo had the prestigious title of "Comenda da Ordem de Cristo." It was held by the Count of Vila Flor, indicating that the area had a close connection with the aristocracy of Portugal and that the Order of Christ was the institution that governed the area's ecclesiastical and economic activities.
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The local Church of São Pedro de Calvelo, with its long history dating back to 1118 and 1164, is a testament to the wealth and prosperity of the area. During the reign of King Dinis, a catalog of churches created in 1320 for tax purposes listed São Pedro de Calvelo with a tax value of 300 libras, one of the highest in the Penela region. This significant tax value demonstrates the area's wealth and richness, making it a key player in the region's economic activities.
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Calvelo's landscape is dominated by rolling hills and valleys, making it ideal for agriculture. The area is mainly known for the cultivation of Vinho Verde. The village's historical reliance on agriculture, fertile land, and mild climate have helped maintain a strong sense of community tied to the land. Like many Ponte de Lima municipality parishes, Calvelo celebrates traditional festivals that blend religious devotion with local culture. Festivals dedicated to local saints are marked by processions, music, and gatherings where the community celebrates their shared history and culture. These festivals offer a glimpse into the deep-rooted traditions of the Minho region, where the Catholic faith and local customs remain intertwined.
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Today, Calvelo has a local restaurant, O Carvalhal, and a nice café, Café São Sebastião, also selling groceries. The village is characterized by beauty, calmness, harmony and its very friendly people. Small roads and paths make the Calvelo and Monte de São Veríssimo ideal for walking and exploring the Portuguese countryside and history.
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