Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Amarante
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Amarante is a charming valley town located along the river, one hour east of Porto. The town
was destroyed by Napoleon's troops in 1809. The only building that survived currently houses
the Ze Da Calcada restaurant, which features amazing appetizers and seafood.
The most popular site is the granite São Gonçalo Bridge, which was built it 1790 and spans
the River Tâmega.
The church and former monastery of São Gonçalo is another must-see location. The stunning
interior features columns and a high altar under which St. Gonçalo, the patron saint of
marriage, is buried. According to legend, St. Gonçalo organized matchmaking festivals for
women, a tradition that continues to this day. On the first weekend of every June, the Festa de
São Gonçalo springs up in Amarante and singles can share heart-shaped cakes. In fact, love is
an integral part of the town, since the first part of the city's name, Amar, means love.
Another site to see is a museum dedicated to the life and work of locally-born Cubist artist
Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso (1887-1918), one of Portugal's leading 20th-century artists. Visit
www.amarante.pt/museu
for more information.
