The “Trilho das Três Pontes” in Fornos is a circular trail that begins and ends at Largo da Igreja Matriz de Fornos. It is not marked on site; a GPS track is required to walk or ride it. The trail can be explored on foot, for running or by mountain bike.

Circular Trail and Historical Route Connections

Ponte dos Três Arcos is a distinctive landmark in the landscape: it crosses the Rio Boco in a wooded area and has three load-bearing granite arches. Its access paths are unpaved; some have deep ruts caused by rainwater runoff. When planning your visit, it is worth considering the bridge and its approach separately: the granite arches define the bridge, while the condition of the paths determines practical access.

The bridge is also part of an itinerary connecting Mosteirô and Fornos with Castelo da Feira, traditionally known as the “Caminho da Rainha.” This historical route connection should be distinguished from the present-day wayfinding on the “Trilho das Três Pontes”: the circular trail is not marked on site and requires a GPS track; the route connecting Mosteirô, Fornos and Castelo da Feira is described as a traditional itinerary, not as a currently marked route.

Churches and Architectural History

Different building phases coexist at Igreja de São Salvador de Fornos. The parish dates back to the Middle Ages, while the present building is from the 16th century. The church was completely remodelled in the 20th century. This included a covering of azulejos and a new Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. At the same time, elements of the older architecture have been preserved: the structure, capialço windows, the bell tower with cannon gargoyles, a niche for liturgical furnishings, and several relief panels from earlier altarpieces. This makes it possible to distinguish the remodelling from the preserved elements in different parts of the same church building.

Igreja Santo António da Lage offers a different architectural perspective. The chapel, built in the 18th century by a local family, has a carved coat of arms above the main portal. Its floor plan is rectangular and includes a nave and a sacristy. These details give you specific features to look for: the shape of the floor plan, the layout of the rooms and the coat of arms above the portal. Together with Igreja de São Salvador, the chapel broadens the view of the different architectural forms and layers of history that make up Fornos’s heritage.

Feira à Moda Antiga

Feira à Moda Antiga recreates a market from the early 20th century. The 2024 edition took place at Largo Padre José Alves de Pinho, next to Igreja Matriz de Fornos. It was organised by the Junta de Freguesia de Fornos with support from local residents. The event offers a different way to engage with local history than the churches and bridges: its focus is the recreation of a market from an earlier era. If another edition is relevant to your trip, check its date and venue.

Discover more destinations: Argoncilhe, Caldas de São Jorge, Milheirós de Poiares, Lourosa, Sanfins, São João De Vêr, Souto, Santa Maria De Feira.

For the broader travel overview: Santa Maria Da Feira.