Ponte da Barca is a beautiful village from the North region, situated in an area blessed by nature, with th green luxuriant vegetation and the relaxing colours of the Lima river.
Ponta da Barca’s history dates back to pre-roman times, and from the roman occupation period there are several testimonies, with a special reference for the “Pedra dos Namorados, a bas-relief representing a man and a woman, in exhibition on the Ermida locality Museum.
The symbol of the city that also named it is its bridge, a construction of the 15th century that helped the development of this village throughout the centuries.
Ponte da Barca was, as well, an important point for the Santiago de Compustela pilgrimages, the Way of St. James.
Ponte da Barca is integrated in the Demarcated Region of the “Vinho Verde“ (a typical Portuguese wine, a mixture of red, white and a bit of rose) and the economical importance of this wine industry is quite visible through the many manor houses of the region.
The Ponte da Barca’s historical centre is beautiful, and many monuments enrich it, like the 18th century Mother Church and the Misericórdia Church from the 16th century, and the Nossa Senhora da Lapa (17th c.) , Santo António (17th and 18th c.) and São Bartolomeu Chapels.
In front of the very central pillory is located one of the most emblematic monuments in the village: the former market (“Mercado”) from the 18th century.
The Ponte da Barca region is partially situated in the wonderful Peneda-Gerês National Park, with idyllic landscapes, worth to be known.
