AMARANTE TOURISM GUIDE
An attractive riverside town
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Amarante is a pleasant and picturesque small town located on the banks of
the Tâmega River, crossed by São Gonçalo Bridge.
Built in 1790, the bridge leads to the imposing São Gonçalo Convent,
named after the local patron saint, protector of marriages.
It was begun in 1540 and completed in 1620, with an elaborate Renaissance
portal and topped with a red cupola. Inside is a finely gilded Baroque
altar and pulpits, an organ with a carved case, and São Gonçalo's tomb.
Tradition has it that those in search of a mate will have their wish granted
within a year if they touch the statue on the tomb.
In one of the cloisters is a museum of contemporary art, the Amadeo de
Souza-Cardoso Museum, with an eclectic collection that includes sketches
and paintings by Cubist painter Souza-Cardoso, who was born in the town.
Another church to visit is the 18th-century São Pedro Church, with a
Baroque façade decorated with statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
Inside, the nave is decorated with 17th-century blue and yellow tiles, and
there is a chestnut wood ceiling with elegant carving in the sacristy.
The old part of town has a number of fine 16th and 18th-century houses, most
of them surrounded by wooden balconies, and there are several cafes and
restaurants, many overlooking the river where visitors can also rent boats
for peaceful rowing or paddling.
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Places Nearby
Porto -
Atmospheric port city; baroque splendor; monumental bridges; port wine
Lamego
- Baroque sanctuary; vineyards by the Douro
Vila
Real - A delightful baroque palace
Guimarães
- A medieval World Heritage center; a fascinating Celtic archeological site
Braga -
The city of Baroque; the Portuguese Episcopal capital; a monumental
staircase
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AROUND LISBON
AND TAGUS VALLEY Alcobaça Arrábida Azeitão Batalha Cascais Ericeira Estoril Fatima Leiria Mafra Nazaré Obidos Palmela Peniche Queluz Santarém Sesimbra Setubal Sintra Tomar |
ALENTEJO
Beja Castelo de Vide Elvas Estremoz Evora Marvão Mértola Monsaraz Vila Viçosa ALGARVE Albufeira Faro Lagos Sagres Silves Tavira Vila Real de Santo António Vilamoura |
BEIRAS (CENTRAL PORTUGAL)
Aveiro Belmonte Buçaco Coimbra Conimbriga Figueira da Foz Guarda Monsanto Piodão Serra da Estrela Viseu PORTO AND DOURO Amarante Lamego Porto |
MINHO
Barcelos Braga Gerês National Park Guimarães Ponte de Lima Ponte da Barca Viana do Castelo TRAS-OS-MONTES Bragança Chaves Vila Real THE ISLANDS Azores Madeira |