Arcos de Valdevez: Travel and tourism

At the heart of the Higher Minho region, nestling by the banks of the river Vez and at the foot of the Peneda mountains, the ancient and historical town of Arcos de Valdevez is proud of its valuable religious monuments and noble houses.

The impressive and Baroque Church of Nossa Senhora da Lapa, built in 1767, has an oval exterior which curiously adopts an octagonal shape inside.

Seen from the hill where the castle stands, the town exhibits all the charm of its irregular streets and quarters, mansions and churches. The surrounding land is fertile and green, crossed by many streams which provide a home to the trout.

Leaving the town on the way to the villages of Ázere and Mezio, the isolated Paço de Giela is a magnificent example of a Medieval noble residence, formed by a characteristic stone house and tower.

The traditional village of Soajo, probably founded in the first century, lies between terraced hillsides and is known for its collection of ancient stone espigueiros (granaries made of granite and displaying a tomb-like architecture, topped by an ornamental cross or pyramid).

The local cuisine includes roast veal and a variety of cozido à portuguesa (a rich meat stew with sausages and vegetables).

The town of Arcos de Valdevez is within convenient reach of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, one of Portugal's greatest natural sites, with its wild scenery, characteristic villages and a rich variety of fauna.