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PONTE DE BARCA

Where History Flows Along the Lima River

Located in the heart of Alto Minho at the foot of the Peneda Gerês Parque Nacional. Ponte da Barca takes its name from the "boat" that historically connected the two banks of the Lima River, often carrying pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. It wasn’t until the mid-14th century that a bridge was constructed, giving the town its current name S. João de Ponte da Barca.

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Rich in nobility and heritage, this beautiful region, known as Terras da Nóbrega, is thought to be the birthplace of Ferdinand Magellan, the Portuguese navigator who was the first person to sail around the globe and proved once and for all that the Earth is round.

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Ponte da Barca is a town of contrasts. To the west, you’ll find the Alto Lindoso reservoir, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. Next to it, the old Afonsino Castle, rebuilt by King Dinis in 1278, with its bastions and towering keep. A visit to the church of the old Bravães monastery is a must, as it is one of the most significant Romanesque monuments in Alto Minho.

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Ponte da Barca is a tourist destination with something for everyone. Its fishing grounds on the Lima River, famous for lamprey fishing, draw enthusiasts from near and far. The area also offers hunting reserves, water sports, and a beautiful river beach for those seeking outdoor adventures. The town boasts excellent restaurants, handicraft shops, and a folklore scene, all complemented by a refined gastronomy that showcases local specialties.

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Visit the web page of Ponte de Barca

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