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The Path of the Monks
Itinerary: Tarouca | Ucanha | Salzedas | Balsemão | Lamego
The Varosa River Valley, the inspiration for our Caminho dos Monges route, takes us back to the origins of the Portuguese nation. Although D. Afonso Henriques proclaimed Portugal as a country in 1139, the official recognition by the Pope had not yet been achieved. Bernard of Clairvaux, the visionary behind the Cistercian Order and uncle of our first king, understood that the foundation of a monastery in Portuguese territory was essential to persuade Pope Alexander III to grant Portugal recognition as an independent nation. Thus, the Mosteiro de S. João de Tarouca, the first Cistercian monastery in Portugal, was born, marking the beginning of the Caminho dos Monges route and paving the way for Portugal. With roots firmly planted in Portugal since the 12th century, the Cistercian Order played a crucial role in shaping the territory and in the political consolidation of the first dynasty.
NOT TO BE MISSED:
Visit the Mosteiro de S. João de Tarouca, the first Cistercian Monastery in Portugal, and immerse yourself in its centuries-old history.
Admire the Ponte Fortificada de Ucanha, an impressive medieval structure that has stood the test of time.
Explore the Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Salzedas, a magnificent 12th-century building that bears witness to the power of the medieval Portuguese monarchy.
Taste sparkling wines at Murganheira and uncover the secrets of its vineyards and cellars—a true sensory experience.
Dive into the history of Lamego with a visit to the Castelo and Sé Catedral, two key landmarks of the medieval city and Marian worship.
PROGRAM:
Day 1: Tarouca | Ucanha
Morning: Departure from the starting points. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit to the Monastery of São João de Tarouca, the first Cistercian monastery in Portugal, and the Church of São Pedro de Tarouca, a 13th-century temple marking the transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture. Continue to visit Ucanha. In the medieval period, the Cistercian monks settled here and built a Tower and Bridge over the river to collect tolls from the Santa Maria de Salzedas estate. Today, visitors can admire some of the medieval Cistercian structures, such as the Old Abbey, the Fortified Bridge, as well as the 17th-century Church and Pillory.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 2: Salzedas | Balsemão
Morning: In Salzedas, visit the Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas, built in the 12th century with the support of King Afonso Henriques' court, around which the village developed. Visit the small Jewish quarter. Tour the Casa do Paço de Dalvares, currently home to the Confraria do Espumante and the Murganheira Sparkling Wine Museum. Guided tour of the Murganheira Cellars. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Continue to Balsemão to visit the remarkable Chapel of São Pedro de Balsemão, a site of great historical and architectural significance, reflecting the multiple layers of history that shaped this region.
Evening: Dinner and overnight at a hotel.
Day 3: Lamego
Morning: Departure to Lamego for a visit to the medieval city, including the Castle, Cistern, Archaeological Site of Porta dos Figos, and a walking tour through the Bairros de Lamego, including a visit to the Igreja de Santa Maria de Almacave, one of the historical symbols of Lamego. Visit the Lamego Cathedral, a building that integrates architectural styles from various periods and where the Marian cult was established in 1175. Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to the starting point.