Spirit of the Ruins

Espindo Bridge

2009-10-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No. 10

Ponte de Espindo

A transitional medieval bridge of a late period than that of Vilela with a trastly tray that shows it is more Gothic than Romanesque. The Espindo Bridge is composed of a single arch sustained by solid pillars stremming directly from the river banks, the one in the left bank being protected by a wall or is let upstream.

Name: Espindo Bridge
Type: Bridge
Classification: pending classification
Style: Methodology constructive medieval
State of Conservation: Good
Time of Visit: Guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10h to 13h, by appointment. Minimum visitors: 10.
Price of Admission: Free

For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:
Phone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

Location: Place Espindo, neighborhood Meinedo, Lousada, Oporto, Portugal

How to get there:
If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road/Oporto), the A3 (Valença/Oporto) or A7 (Sabrosa / Oporto) follow the direction of Penafiel (A4) A11 (Esposende/Marco de Canaveses). Get to Caíde de Rei on A11. Follow the signs to RRVS that through road N320 and N320-1, will take you to Bridge Espindo, through the Church of Meinedo.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Oporto) or the A29 (Estarreja/VN Gaia) in Oporto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash.
From Oporto you may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real) or A41/A42 (Oporto) that will lead to the A11, following signs Felgueiras and Amarante, respectively. On the A11 take exit on Caíde de Rei. From there follow the signs to RRVS (Church of Meinedo).
If you are already in the town of Lousada, turn onto the road N320 following the direction of the Market Hall at the intersection of traffic lights before the Court. From this intersection go straight ahead until you find the signs of RRVS that will take you to the bridge of Espindo.

Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 14 '36.15 "N / Long: 8 ° 16' 25.04" W

Church of Santa Maria of Meinedo

2009-10-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No. 9

Igreja de santa Maria de Meinedo

A late construction that may be the reconstruction of an old monastery of hermits that probably stood in the very same place in the 11th century as a reform of an old Suevi-Visigoth bulding from the 7th century. The current bulding probably dates back to the 13th century and has an inscription from 1262 at the entrance of the church. Meinedo was the head of a Bishopie in the 16th century.

Name: Church of Santa Maria of Meinedo
Type: Church / Monastery
Classification: Property of Public Interest from 1945
Style: Romanesque rural
State of Conservation: Good
Festival Patron: Our Lady of the Snows - second weekend, week of September
Time of Worship: 3, 6 Friday and Saturday at 19h, Sunday, holidays and feast days at 11:15
Time of Visit: Saturday and Sunday from 10h to 13h, by appointment. Minimum visitors: 10.
Price of Admission: Free

For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:
Phone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

Location: Station Place, parish of Meinedo, Lousada, Oporto, Portugal

How to get there:
If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road/Oporto), the A3 (Valença/Oporto) or A7 (Sabrosa/Oporto) follow the direction of Penafiel (A4) A11 (Esposende/Marco de Canaveses). Get to Caíde de Rei on the A11, following signs to RRVS to the Church of Meinedo.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Oporto) or the A29 (Estarreja/VN Gaia) in Oporto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash.
From Oporto you may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real) or A41/A42 (Oporto) that will lead to the A11, following signs of Felgueiras and Amarante, respectively. On the A11 take exit on of Caíde de Rei.
If you are already in the town of Lousada, turn onto the road N320 following the direction of the Market Hall at the intersection of traffic lights before the Court. From this intersection go straight ahead until you find the signs of RRVS. At the entrance of Meinedo, soon after crossing over the River Sousa, do not consider the statement to the right of RRVS moving on to the Church of Meinedo.

Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 14 '54,789 "N / Long: 8 ° 15' 26,908" W

Vilela Bridge

2009-10-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No. 8

Ponte de Vilela

Dificult to date, this bridge may have been built at the time when the traffic grew in the Sousa Valley, creating the need to cross the natural obstacle that was the Sousa River. The Vilila Bridge is composed of four perfect arches. These arches are supported by three blind piers, reinforced with triangular cutwaters upstream and quadrangular ones downstream.

Name: Vilela Bridge
Type: Bridge
Classification: pending classification
Style: Methodology constructive medieval
State of Conservation: Good
Time of Visit: Guided tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10h to 13h, by appointment. Minimum visitors: 10.
Price of Admission: Free

For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:
Phone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

Location: Place of Vilela, neighborhood Aveleda, Lousada, Oporto, Portugal

How to get there:

If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road/Oporto), the A3 (Valença /Oporto) or A7 (Sabrosa /Oporto), follow directions to Felgueiras A11 (Esposende/Oporto) and then in Paços de Ferreira on the A42. Exit in Alvarenga /Lousada and follow the signs to RRVS that will take you to the Vilela Bridge, turning left at the Church of Aveleda.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Oporto) or the A29 (Estarreja/VN Gaia) in Oporto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash.
From Oporto you may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real) then following the A11 (Felgueiras) and A42 (Oporto) and exit to Alvarenga/Lousada. If you choose the A41/A42 (Oporto) exit also Alvarenga.
If you are already in the town of Lousada take the direction of the road Felgueiras N207 following signs of RRVS until Ponte de Vilela passing the Church of Aveleda.

Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 16 '9016 "N / Long: 8 ° 14' 53,899" W

Church of the Savior of Aveleda

2009-10-30T10:00:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No. 7

Igreja do Salvador de Aveleda

The Church of the Savior of Aveleda is a testimony to the presistence of the Romanique form in the Portuguese medievel architecture. It presents very late Romanesque elements, testifying to a construction that is hardly from any time before the late 13th century or even the early 14th century, despite the fact that the foundation of this church goes back to the 11th or 12th century.

Name: Church of the Savior of Aveleda
Type: Church / Monastery
Classification: Property of Public Interest (IIP) by Decree N º. 95/78, Official Gazette 210 of 12 September 1978.
Style: Romanesque resistance
State of Conservation: Good
Festival Patron #: Divine Savior - August 6
Time of Worship: Sunday at 10:30 am, Saturday 18.30
Time of Visit: Saturday and Sunday from 10h to 13h, by appointment. No minimum visitors: 10.
Price of Admission: Free

For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:
Phone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

Location: Place of the Church, the parish of Aveleda, Lousada, Oporto, Portugal

How to get there:
If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road/Oporto), the A3 (Valença/Oporto) or A7 (Sabrosa / Oporto), follow directions to Felgueiras A11 (Esposende/Oporto) and then in Paços de Ferreira on the A42. Exit on Alvarenga /Lousada.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Oporto) or the A29 (Estarreja / VN Gaia) in Porto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash.
From Oporto may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real), then follow the A11 (Felgueiras) and A42 (Oporto) to release Alvarenga /Lousada. If you choose the A41/A42 (Oporto) exit also Alvarenga.
If you are already in the town of Lousada take the direction of Felgueiras the N207 road, following signs to RRVS to the Church of Aveleda.

Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 16 '46.51 "N / Long: 8 ° 15' 10.95" W

The Tower Vilar

2009-10-30T09:16:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No. 6

Torre de Vilar

The Tower Vilar, more than a military construction, is a symbol of the power of the feudal lords over the territory. It is a valuable testimony of the existence of the domus fortis, the fortified stately manor, in the Sousa Valley region. It was most probably built between the second half of the 13th century and the beginning of the 14th century. Accoeding to 1258´s Inquiries, Sante Mary of Vilar was Honour of Sir Gil Martins and his descendents, of the Ribavizela family.

Name: The Tower Vilar
Type: Tower
Classification: Property of Public Interest in 1978
State of Conservation: Good
Time of Activity: From Friday to Sunday from 10h to 13h and from 14h30 to 18h30.
Price of Admission: Free

For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:
Phone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

Location: Tower Place, parish of Vilar do Torno and Alentém, Lousada, Oporto, Portugal

How to get there:
If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road/ Oporto), the A3 (Valença / Oporto) or A7 (Sabrosa /Oporto) follow the direction of Penafiel (A4) A11 (Esposende / Marco de Canaveses). Exit on Caíde the A11. Follow road trip for the N15 to find the Lixaand follow indication to Tower Vilar.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Oporto) or the A29 (Estarreja / VN Gaia) in Porto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash.
From Oporto you may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real) or A41/A42 (Lousada) that will lead to the A11 following signs of Felgueiras and Amarante, respectively. On the A11 take exit in Caíde and follow the direction of Lixa/Amarante, across the road N15 until you find the indication Vilar Tower.
If you are already in the town of Lousada take the direction of Felgueiras the road N207. Shortly after, turn right to Nogueira, following the signs to RRVS. Do not consider the indication to turn right (Church of Aveleda) and go straight to the destination location of Aparecida.

Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 17 '12,082 "N / Long: 8 ° 12' 36,906" W

St. Mamede of Vila Verde Church

2009-10-20T15:01:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No. 5
Igreja de São Mamede de Vila Verde

The oldest documented reference to this church is from 1220. At that time it belonged to the Monastery of Saint Mary of Pombeiros. It has a single rectangular nave and a rectangular tramsept. The traces of mural painting indicate that the transept wall was painted like a retable, where one can indentify the images of Saint Benedict and supposedly of Sant Bernaed.

- Name: Church of St. Mamede of Vila Verde
- Type: Church / Monastery
- Classification: pending classification
- Style: Romanesque resistance
- State of Conservation: Good
- Festival Patron: São Mamede - August 17
- Time of Visit: By appointment
- Price of Admission: Free

Phone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

Location: Place of Serrinha, parish of Vila Verde, Felgueiras, Oporto, Portugal.

How to get there:
If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road/Oporto), the A3 (Valença/Oporto) or the A7 (Sabrosa/Povoa de Varzim), follow directions to Felgueiras the A11. Get out on Caíde the A11 and take the N15 to the Lixa/Amarante until you find the indication Church of Vila Verde.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Oporto) or the A29 (Estarreja /VN Gaia) in Oporto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash. From Oporto may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real) or A41/A42 (Lousada) that will lead to the A11, following the arrival in this way an indication or Felgueiras/Penafiel, respectively. On the A11 take exit node Caíde and take the N15 road to the Lixa/Amarante until you find the indication Church of Vila Verde.
If you are already in the city of Felgueiras, go to the location of the Lixa on the road N101 (Valença/Amarante) to find the signaling Church Airães / Romanesque route. In Airães should move on to Vila Verde, not considering the indication for the right (Church of Airães).

- Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 18 '17,190 "N / Long: 8 ° 10' 55,612"W

St. Mary of Airaes Church

2009-10-16T09:25:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No.4
Igreja de Santa Maria de Airães

The Church of Santa Mary of Airães is an important example of the rather long influence of the Romanesque buliding pattern in the Sousa Valley, dating back to the late 13th century even through it has been mentioned since 1091.
Despite the fact that it has three naves, only the transpet and the central part of the main facade remain from the Romansque construction, originally with a single nave.

- Name: St. Mary of Airaes Church
- Type: Church / Monastery
- Classification: National Monument (NM) by Decree 129/77 of 29 September
- County: Felgueiras
- Style: Romanesque
- State of Conservation: Good
- Festival patron: Santa Maria de - August 15
- Time of Worship: Saturday at 18.45 in winter and at 19.45 in the summer, Sunday at 11am, Friday 3 to 8:30; 5 Friday 18.30.
- Time of Visit: By appointment
- Price of Admission: Free

- For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:

Phone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

- Location: Place the monastery, the parish of Santa Maria de, Felgueiras, Oporto, Portugal.

- How to get there:

If approaching from the north of Portugal for A28 (Road / Oporto), the A3 (Valença /Oporto) or the A7 (Vila Nova De Aguiar / Oporto), follow directions to Felgueiras A11 (Esposende / Oporto). Exit on Felgueiras (N207) and Longra across the road N207-2. Shortly after, turn left for Caíde de Rei.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Oporto) or the A29 (Estarreja / VN Gaia) in Oporto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash.
From the Oporto may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real) or A41/A42 (Oporto) that will lead to the A11 (Felgueiras). If you choose the A41/A42, exit of Felgueiras (N207) on A11 and head towards Longra and after Caíde de Rei, AA4 If you choose exit onof Caíde de Rei of the A11 and take the N15 road (Ermesinde / Murça) for the Lixa. Finally, follow the signs to RRVS (ignoring the diversion to the Torre de Vilar) to the Church of Vila Verdeque shortly after, will take him to Airães.

If you are already in the city of Felgueiras follow the direction of the road de Lixa N101 (Valença /Amarante).

- Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 18 '54,421 "N / Long: 8 ° 11' 52.88" W
- More photos on:

http://www.slide.com/r/BGGDL1yGzD_kLBrDFj4-DWPiGLdaVWAm?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

St. Savior of Unhão Church

2009-10-16T09:08:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No.3

Igreja São Salvadorde Unhão

Consecrated in 1165 by the arcbishop of Braga, Sir João Peculiar, it was only finished in the first half of the 13th century and quite altered in the 18th century. It is a valuable testimony of the Portuguese architeture. The main part, of the finest quality, featured a set of botanically inspired capitals considered among the best carved of all Romanesque in the North of Portugal.

- Name:St. Savior of Unhão Church
- Type: Church / Monastery
- Classification: Property of Public Interest from 1950
- Style: Romanesque
- State of Conservation: Good
- Feast of the Patron: Divine Savior - 1. No end-of-week of August
- Time of Worship: Saturday at 18h in winter and to 19h in the summer, Sunday and holidays at 8am.
- Time of Visit: By appointment
- Price of Admission: Free

- For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:
Phone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

- Location: Place of the Church, the parish of Unhão, Felgueiras, Oporto, Portugal.

- How to get there:
If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road/ Oporto), the A3 (Valença /Oporto) or A7 (Sabrosa / Oporto), follow directions to Felgueiras A11 (Esposende / Oporto). Exit on Felgueiras (N207), and then towards Longra / Lousada to find the signs indicating the Church of Unhão.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Porto) or the A29 (Estarreja / VN Gaia) in Oporto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash.
From the Oporto may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real), then follow the A11 (Felgueiras) and A42 (Lousada) to release Alvarenga / Lousada. If you choose the A41/A42 (Oporto) exit also Alvarenga. Then head towards Felgueiras (N207) until you find the identifier of the Church of Unhão.
If you are already in the city of Felgueiras, follow the direction of Lousada through roads 2 and N207-N207.

- Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 18 '43,701 "N / Long: 8 ° 14' 11,564" W

- More photos on:

http://www.slide.com/r/tjvWf4lY4D94u_XKd1z8Ewz-lqCYfcuw?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

St. Vincent of Sousa Church

2009-10-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No.2

Igreja de São Vicente de Sousa

The church was part of a monastic set whoses construction was finished in the 13th century,as one can read on the North gate inscription for its solemn consecration in the year 1214.
The main portal featured three pairs of columns and four deep archivolts, with bulb-like bases where one of the pairs of columns is octagonal. The tympanum is decorated with a hollow cross of Malta.

- Name: St. Vincent of Sousa Church
- Type: Church / Monastery
- Classification: National Monument from 1977
- Style: Romanesque nationalized
- State of Conservation: Good
- Festival Patron: St. Vincent - January 22
- Time of Worship: Sunday and holidays at 9:30, Friday 5 to 20h
- Time of Visit: By appointment
- Price of Admission: Free

- For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:
Phone Number: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488
Fax: 255 810 709
E-mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt
Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

- Location: Place the Passat, neighborhood Sousa, Felgueiras, Oporto, Portugal.

- How to get there:
If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road/Oporto), the A3 (Valença / Oporto) or A7 (Sabrosa / Oporto), follow directions to Felgueiras A11 (Esposende / Oporto). Exit on Felgueiras West, then follow the signs to RRVS (Mosteiro de Pombeiro) to the Church of Sousa.
If coming from downtown or south of the country by the A1 (Lisbon-Porto) or the A29 (Estarreja / VN Gaia) in Oporto between crossing the river Douro through the bridge of the Ash.
From the Oporto may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real) or A41/A42 (Oporto) that will lead to the A11 (Felgueiras). In this way the exit on Felgueiras West.
If you are already in the city of Felgueiras, follow the direction of Guimarães by N101 (Amarante / Valencia) and then the de Prado, not considering the diversion to the Monastery of Pombeiro.

- Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 20'37 .685 " N / Long: 8 ° 14'56 .145" W

- More photos on:
http://www.slide.com/r/qBnEZrfT5j80z6yxjpqg3qgJbf5MdONX?previous_view=lt_embedded_url

Monastery of St. Mary of Pombeiros

2009-10-16T06:54:00.000-07:00

Rota do Românico No. 1

Mosteiro de Pombeiro - Felgueiras

Saint Mary of Pombeiros was one of the most important Benedictine monasteries of the region between Douro and Minho. Founded by Sir Gomes Echiegues and his wife Gontroda in 1102, it originated in an ancient religious community.

The main gate is a remarkable example of Romanesque sculpture. The magnificiently executed capitals represent some of the best sculpture works in the region. In the cloisters, the archaeological findings associated to a former bell foundry deserve a special note.

- Name: Monastery of St. Mary of Pombeiros

- Typology: Church/Monastery

- Classification: National Monastery from 1910

- Location: Place the monastery, the parish of Pombeiro Ribavizela, Felgueiras, Oporto, Portugal

- Style: Late Romanesque with Gothic influence

- Conservation Status: Good

- Feast of the Patron Saint: Santa Maria Maggiore - August the 5th

- Time of Worship: Saturday at 19h (winter) and 20.30 (summer), Sunday and Holydays at 10:30, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 and Fridays at 20h

- Time of Visit: By appointment

- Price of Admission: Free

- For explanation on Portuguese please visit official site of Romans ways:

· Web: www.rotadoromanico.com

· E-Mail: rrvs@valsousa.pt

· Telephone: 255 810 706 / 918 116 488

· Fax: 255 810 709

- How to Get There:

If approaching from the north of Portugal through the A28 (Road / Oporto), the A3 (Valença / Oporto) or A7 (Vila Pouca de Aguiar/Póvoa de Varzim), follow directions to Felgueiras A11 (Esposende /Marco de Canaveses). Exit on Felgueiras West and then follow the directions RRVS up to this National Monument.

From the Oporto may go for A4/IP4 (Vila Real) or A41/A42 (Paços de Ferreira) that will lead to the A11. In this way the exit node Felgueiras (N207), then follow the signs to RRVS.
If you are already in the city of Felgueiras, follow the direction of Guimarães across the road N101 (Amarante / Valença).

- Geographic Coordinates: Lat: 41 ° 22 '58,091 "N / Long: 8 ° 13' 32,597" W

- More photos on:

http://www.slide.com/r/4Ni1G75S6T90La1JNNW76SnqkBblinMJ?previous_view=lt_embedded_url