Ponte de Lima
The town is named after the bridge over the river Lima. It has been an important crossing since Roman times on the military road from Bracara Augusta (present-day Braga) to Asturica Augusta (present-day Astorga). The bridge then served as the only safe crossing over the river Lima in its entire length, until the late Middle Ages.
Legend has it that when the Roman legions first approached the river here, the soldiers refused to cross it because they believed it was the mythical River Lethes, the river of oblivion. It was only after one of their centurions crossed first and called each of them by name that they dared to enter the river.
Ponte de Lima is a town with a long history: it was granted a town charter as early as 1125.
Where to sleep
| Name | Price | Type | Amenities | Open | Pilgrims' rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albergue de Peregrinos | € 3 |
|
JFMAMJJASOND | ||
| Pousada de Juventude | € 12 |
|
JFMAMJJASOND |
What to see
Roman bridge
The actual Ponte de Lima, the bridge across the river Lima dates back to Roman times. Today, however, only the short 3-arched segment on the north bank remains of the Roman bridge, as the biggest part had to be rebuilt in the 14th century.
Igreja Matriz
The parish church was originally built in the 15th century (the bell tower is a later addition). As it underwent several transformations over the centuries, the result is a peculiar mix of styles, as the rose-window above the Romanesque entrance tells immediately.
Torre da Cadeia Velha
The tower on the river bank was once part of the walled fortifications and later used as a prison until the 1960s. Later it hosted the town's historical archives, before ending up as an art gallery.
Chafariz Nobre
The Noble Fountain was built in 1603, and initially located on the current Largo António Magalhães. It was transferred to the new main square, Largo de Camões, in 1929.
Paço do Marquês
The Palace of the Marquis is a palace built in the 15th century and functioning today as Town Hall.
Vaca das Cordas
This tradition can be traced back to the belief that in the place where the Igreja Matriz stands today, in pre-Christian times stood a pagan temple to a goddess, who was worshipped in the form of a cow. Early June, the day before Corpus Christi, crowds of young men goad a bull (as it is nowadays) first three times around the Igreja Matriz, and then through the town streets and down to the river, restrained by long ropes (hence the name, 'Cow of the Ropes'). The streets are decorated with flower carpets the next morning.
Feiras Novas
In addition to the fortnightly Monday market, which is the oldest in Portugal, the New Fairs were chartered by Peter IV in 1826. Held over three days from 19 to 21 September, the Feiras Novas is a combined market and fair featuring folk dances, fireworks, pony racing, ethnographic and historical pageants, brass bands, and so on.
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