VILA VERDE’S NATURAL BEAUTY IS FAITHFULLY TRANSLATED IN ITS NAME, ‘GREEN VILLAGE’. BUT ITS POINTS OF INTEREST ARE ALSO EXPRESSED IN THE ARCHEOLOGIC, ARCHITECTONIC AND ETHNOLOGIC TREASURES, HIDDEN IN THE HAMLETS FURTHER UP THE MOUNTAIN.
The municipality of Vila Verde is located in Northern Portugal, part of Braga’s district and in Minho’s heart, a region bordered by Galicia, the hills of the Gerês Mountain and the Maritime Coast. The wealth brought about by human settlement in this region and represented in its extensive patrimony, makes us go back a long period in time, that extends from pre-historic eras to Roman times, and constitute an indelible mark in Portugal’s history.
In what concerns the architectonic legacy, one ought to refer the multitude and monumentality of its religious temples, places of art, where spirituality, wellness and silence rule; the ceremonies and rituals that occasional take over, express the happiness, colours and magic of the local people. Of required visit are the Sanctuaries of Our Lady of Relief and of Bom Despacho, the latter with a typical façade from Minho; and both the Romanesque-styled Church of Coucieiro, and the baroque-styled one at Pico de Regalados Parish.
Sanctuary of Our Lady of Relief
Over here, the natural values are manifested in a set of landscapes that perfectly mix the murmur of the water streams with the green of the vegetation, an idyllic setting, present at the inland beaches and along the pure nature sceneries of the riverside parks bordering the Cávado, Homem and Neiva rivers. Those visitors seeking outdoor activities will appreciate the excellent conditions available at the Cávado and Homem rivers for the practice of canoeing and sport fishing, among other aquatic activities.
Malheira inland beach
Faial inland beach
But Vila Verde is also the stage for several emblematic events, such as fairs and peregrinations, while expressing their handicraft values through such artifacts as the Sweethearts’ Handkerchiefs (Lenços de Namorados), a representation of love sentiments embroidered in linen, recalling encounters that are to be forever remembered. The Sweethearts’ Handkerchiefs have been for quite a while a symbol of Portuguese handicraft work, typical of a certain region and with an established commercial brand, ‘Namorar Portugal’ (Flirting Portugal), that promotes the sharing and knowledge of this cultural heritage through fashion and design (the Namorar Portugal Ball), as well as through a touristic-cultural program (February, Romance Month), all supported by a wide collection of quite creative and innovative products. Of relevance in Vila Verde’s cultural programming are also the Municipal Feasts in honour of St. Anthony and the Harvesting Festival, among other events.
Lenços de Namorados
Evidently that all this becomes more tempting when one adds the warm welcome of Minho’s people, and the friendly embrace reserved to all visitors. Vila Verde’s touristic developments in rural space are an excellent opportunity for visitors to appreciate spaces that prioritize a familiar welcoming, the beauty of the involving scenery, the local produce and old traditions, and that may even result in amazing, unrepeatable experiences.
Not less important is the local gastronomic heritage, deeply rooted in Minho’s traditions, diversity and cultural wealth, and reflected in unique tastes and flavours, surprising for their authenticity and savour. Rojões (pork loins) Minho style, sarrabulho mash and rice, Vila Verde style are some of the recipes commonly brought to this rich table.
To all this, one must add the aroma and freshness of the region’s ‘vinho verde’ (green wine) and the well-kept secrets of the rich and varied traditional confectionery stores, like the Priscos Abbot Pudding (Pudim Abade de Priscos), from the well-known “Abade de Priscos”, the ‘Pastry Pope’ at Turiz parish.
Such is hence the list, so that one can get acquainted and be prepared for a visit to Vila Verde, just waiting for you to discover its 1001 charms.
