PONTE DE LIMA
The oldest town in Portugal
By 1125, the Portuguese monarchy officially recognized Ponte de Lima when Queen Teresa (mother of Portugal’s first king, Afonso I) granted the town a charter. This document is regarded as the earliest municipal charter in Portugal, making Ponte de Lima the oldest town in the country. According to historians, the birth of Ponte de Lima is closely linked to the birth of Portugal. It was part of the autonomy plans pursued by Queen Teresa to create the new nation.
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The town takes its name from the Roman bridge (Ponte) that spans the Lima River. This bridge was a crucial crossing point for the Roman legions during their conquest and administration of the Iberian Peninsula. The legend says that the Romans believed the Lima River was the mythological Lethe, the river of forgetfulness, which caused hesitation among the soldiers to cross it. Their general, Decimus Junius Brutus, was forced to lead by example, crossing first and calling each soldier by name to prove they wouldn’t lose their memories.
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The iconic medieval bridge is one of the most important monuments in the county; the Bridge has joined the two banks of the Lima for two thousand years. A unique structure from the time of the Roman Emperor Augustus, it was extended in the Middle Ages, possibly due to a change in the course of the river or the ravages of time or war. The bridge was an integral part of the main Roman Road from Braga which led to the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula.
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During the Middle Ages, the town became a strategic location along the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. This placed Ponte de Lima on the map for pilgrims, merchants, and travelers passing through northern Portugal. The town thrived with the construction of defensive walls and towers to protect its growing population and religious buildings such as churches and convents.
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Throughout its history, Ponte de Lima has been closely linked to agriculture, especially the cultivation of Vinho Verde wine produced in the surrounding fertile lands. The town became a hub for local trade and commerce, with its weekly market—one of the oldest and most continuous in Portugal—attracting farmers and traders from all over the region. This market has been held regularly since its establishment in March 4th, 1125, continuing to be a central part of the town’s life.
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Ponte de Lima’s historical center is a blend of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture, reflecting its long history. The town is dotted with manor houses, palaces, and churches, many of which showcase the wealth and influence of the local aristocracy throughout the ages.
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Today, Ponte de Lima retains much of its historic charm, making it a popular destination for visitors interested in history, culture, and gastronomy. The town is known for its Feiras Novas, an annual festival that brings hundreds of thousands of people together to celebrate local traditions with music, dancing, religious processions, and fireworks. It is one of the biggest events in Portugal.
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The surrounding countryside offers beautiful landscapes for hiking, cycling, and exploring the Lima River, as well as vineyards and mountains. Ponte de Lima has managed to preserve its medieval essence while evolving into a modern town that embraces both its historical significance and its role as a leading cultural and agricultural hub in northern Portugal.
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