Arcos de Valdevez is a lovely village, located in the north of Portugal, in the Minho region, surrounded by a superb vegetation in live green tones, bathed by the River Vez, situated in the only National Park of the country: the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
There are several archaeological vestiges attesting ancient human occupation in the region, such as many megalithic monuments, the most impressive one is the Megalithic Nucleus of Mezio.
Beyond all its natural beauty, Arcos de Valdevez is also an historical village where, according to the legend, a battle was raised and from that battle was originated the Portuguese kingdom. It is said that it was such a bloody battle that hours passed the combat still the River Vez was carrying blood instead of water.
The soil in Arco de Valdevez is visibly fertile, and the village is charming with its irregular streets and houses, with old manor houses and churches, like the baroque Nossa Senhora da Lapa Church, from 1767, and the beautiful Mother Church.
Not to be missed is the Campo da Feira, a lovely square where the ancient village market took place, since 1456, located at the riverside, offering agreeable landscapes and peace of mind.
