Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The bell tower was added in the 18th century. The best view of the royal statues is from
the steep lane just west of the church entrance. Within the lofty interior is an impressive
gilded baroque altar, pulpits, an organ casing held up by fishtailed giants, and Gonçalo's
tomb in a tiny chapel (left of the altar). Tradition has it that those in search of a mate will
have their wish granted within a year if they touch the statue above his tomb. Sure
enough, its limestone toes, fingers and face have been all but rubbed away by hopefuls.
Museu Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso
(Alameda Teixeira de Pascoaes; adult/student/child €1/0.50/free; 10am-12.30pm & 2-6pm Tue-Sun summer,
9.30am-12.30pm & 2-5.30pm winter)
Hidden in one of the Mosteiro de São Gonçalo's cloisters is
this delightfully eclectic collection of modernist and contemporary art, a pleasant surprise
in a town of this size. The museum is named after Amarante's favourite son, artist
Amadeo Souza-Cardoso (1889-1918) - one of the best-known Portuguese artists of the
20th century - who abandoned naturalism for home-grown versions of impressionism and
cubism. The museum is full of his sketches, cartoons, portraits and abstracts.
MUSEUM
Solar dos Magalhães
This burned-out skeleton of an old manor house situated above Rua Cândido dos Reis,
near the train station, has been left in ruins - a stark and uncaptioned memento from Na-
poleon's troops.
RUINS
Igreja de São Domingos
(Praça da República; cloister €1; 3pm-7pm summer, 3pm-5.30pm winter)
Rising beside São Gonçalo are
several impressively steep switchbacks topped by this round, 18th-century church. The
views from here are stunning.
CHURCH
Igreja de São Pedro
(Largo de São Pedro; 2.30-6pm summer, to 5.30pm winter)
The nave of this baroque church is decor-
ated with beautiful 17th- century blue-and-yellow
azulejos
.
CHURCH
Rio Tâmega
(boat hire per 30min/1hr €5/10; boat hire 9am-8pm)
For an idyllic river stroll, take the cobbled path
along the north bank. A good picnic or daydreaming spot is the rocky outcropping over-
looking the rapids 400m east of the bridge. You can also potter about the peaceful Rio Tâ-
mega in a paddle or row boat; boat hire is available along the riverbank.
WALKING, BOATING
