Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Though often quiet midweek, Lamego is a university town, and there's usually some
fun to be had in area bars on weekends. It's also a natural base for exploring the half-
ruined monasteries and chapels in the surrounding environs, one of which dates back to
the time of the Visigoths.
Self-drivers take note: parking can be tight in Lamego.
History
Lamego was an important centre even in the time of the Visigoths and has had a cathedral
since at least the 6th century. The city fell to the Moors in the 8th century and remained in
their hands until the 11th. In 1143 Portugal's first cortes (parliament) was convened here
to confirm Afonso Henriques as Portugal's first king. The little town grew fat thanks to its
position on trading routes between the Douro and the Beiras and, thanks to its wine, was
already famous in the 16th century.
Sights & Activities
Igreja de Nossa
Senhora dos Remédios
( 7.30am-8pm May-Sep, 7.30am-6pm Oct-Apr) One of the country's most important pilgrimage
sites, this twin-towered 18th- century church has a trim blue-and-white stucco interior
with a sky-blue rococo ceiling and a gilded altar. The church, however, is quite overshad-
owed by the zigzagging monumental stairway that leads up to it. The 600-plus steps are
resplendent with azulejos, urns, fountains and statues, adding up to one of the great works
in Portuguese rococo style.
It's a dramatic sight at any time, but the action peaks in late summer when thousands of
devotees arrive and ascend the steps in search of miracles during the Festa de Nossa Sen-
hora dos Remédios. Most offerings are made at the rear altar where Mother Mary reigns
supreme. If you can't face the climb by foot, a road (turn off 1km out on the Viseu road)
winds up the hill for about 3km before reaching the top.
CHURCH
(Largo da Sé; 9am-1pm & 3-6.30pm) Older than Portugal itself, Lamego's striking has been
declared a national monument. There is little left of the 12th-century original except the
base of its square belfry. The rest of the structure, including the brilliantly carved Gothic
triple portal, dates mostly from the 16th and 18th centuries. Arresting biblical frescoes and
CATHEDRAL
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