Information about Arcos de Valdevez on the Northern part of Portugal. It is considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal. Travel with us and have fun with our tips, places, landscapes and adventures there.
This Weblog is constantly being updated. So, follow us on Facebook and subscribe to our
channel, in order to be notified
of new postings. Keep up to date on new videos and content.
Arcos de Valdevez
Arcos de Valdevez is a village in the north of Portugual, in the district of Viana do Castelo. What made us consider visiting the village was to visit Sistelo, a rural village elected one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal". But of course, this is not the only charm of the city. By chance, we learned that there would have a parade of the "Bois da Páscoa"(Easter Oxen) and so we went to the village on the Sunday of the event. We left Braga early in the morning, with the intention of making a one-day trip, since Valdevez is only approximately forty miles away. The intention was to explore the place, to watch the parade and to go to Sistelo.
The road along the way was breathtaking ... In addition to driving along the Rio Lima in a stunning scenery, closer to the Village was possible to see wonderful mountains covered with snow. Arcos de Valdevez is one of the five entrance gates to the Peneda-Gerês National Park and it is very close to Spain. Upon arriving, we came across Rio Vez, in a stunning landscape. In fact, we would be able to spend the day sitting there contemplating that scenario. The mountain river situated on the slope of the Serra do Soajo in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, besides beauty and charms, was where it is held the famous Tournament of Arcos de Valdevez that is in the origin of the Independence of Portugal.
But the beauty is not only related to nature itself ... as we strolled along the village we were surprised by the magnificence, organization and cleanliness of the place. With charming streets and a very active and diverse commerce, it seemed to us it is a good place for those who like to live well and quietly. You can see several churches, among them the Mother Church located in the “Jardim dos Centenários” ( Garden of Centennials).
Another attraction of the city that we loved, was the “Relógio das Águas”. (Waters Clock). The water clock was one of the first time-measuring systems created by man. "The aquatic architecture of the fountain has 48 vertical water jets, with each jet marking the passage of 15-minute intervals, representing each block 1 hour. The flow from the jets slides on inclined planes and is collected in the lower plane, covered with a metallic grid. The fountain operates in closed circuit, with a fully automatic lighting system; the outer numbers of the clock are lit with white light, with various levels of luminous intensity, thus obtaining different shades of color." (Source: http://www.jfav.pt/locais-de-interesse/relogio-de-agua).
We had a break for lunch right in front of the Rio Vez, already expecting to see the Oxen parade. The time perfectly was calculated. We left lunch and were already positioned on the main avenue. The "Easter Oxen" parade is a secular tradition that has now been resumed, recovering customs and uses rooted in the county for many years and symbolizing the end of the Lent fast. During the parade, the best specimens of the region cattle are shown. They are owned by the butchers who join the parade and show their adorned oxen. It really is a very curious moment ... After all, it is not every day that the animal to be slaughtered to feed us is presented to us this way... in a magnificent and decorated way... lol. That makes us a bit "nervous"... lol. However, even though it sounds like a funeral to us, the event is very joyful, filled with many traditional songs and dances, with the locals joining in dancing, singing and playing. We and our kids had so much fun!
After the end of the parade, we continued our tour around Valdevez. We went to the "Paço de Giela", a construction of the Middle Ages, the current aspect being the result of two great constructive phases: one fully medieval and one early sixteenth century. To get in, you only pay one euro per person and the place has a very nice structure, with digital panels that show the history of that place and its importance to Portugal. In addition, the view is beautiful!
And to top it all off, we finally arrived at our main destination: "Sistelo", a rural village, elected one of the "Seven Wonders of Portugal". The village is at the bottom of a valley and is part of the “Rede Natura” (Natura Network) and to the area of that protected zone which in 2009 was classified by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve. Amazing!
We finished our trip, having a hot chocolate in one of the establishments of the village, a very simple snack bar but a very welcoming one. We loved this visit!!! And yes... we highly recommend this tour and intend to return more often. The village offers many trails and activities for those who like ecological strolls, adventure and lots of history.
OUR SOCIAL MEDIAS
Click on the Transferwise icon below and send money anywhere in the world. Cheap, fast, simple and safe!
