Ponte de Lima
Said to be Portugal's oldest town, with a Roman and medieval bridge spanning the Lima River, a riverside avenue of plane trees and small wine taverns that are hard to leave.
Ponte de Lima lies about 25 km east of Viana do Castelo. In 1125 Countess Teresa granted it a charter, and the town claims to be Portugal's oldest. Its landmark is the medieval stone bridge across the Lima River, whose northernmost few arches preserve Roman-era construction. The bridge is a required stop for pilgrims on the Portuguese Way. The riverbank has paths shaded by huge plane trees, the main church, old city wall towers and gardens. The garden festival runs from May to October, and the fortnightly Monday market is one of Portugal's oldest markets. You can cycle about 30 km along the Lima River greenway from Viana do Castelo, or take a bus for about 40 minutes. A signature dish is Arroz de Sarrabulho, a blood rice with stewed meat.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Eiffel Bridge
- Viana do Castelo Cathedral
- Praça da República
- Costume Museum
- Gil Eannes Hospital Ship
- Citânia de Santa Luzia
- Sanctuary of Santa Luzia
- Cabedelo Beach