Amares offers several distinct points of interest for a cultural stay: a Pelourinho classified as a National Monument, a long history of settlement, architecture in the surrounding area and an orange-growing culture with its own season. Two different timeframes can help you plan: Laranja de Amares is available from May to August; the major Romaria at the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia takes place on a fixed date, 15 August.
Historical traces and architecture
The Pelourinho de Amares stands on the steps of the town hall and is classified as a National Monument. A hexagonal base of a historic Pelourinho has also been preserved on the steps, integrated into a retaining wall. The town’s history is therefore reflected both in a listed monument and in a surviving architectural feature that is now part of the wall.
Another point of reference in time is the building of the Biblioteca Municipal Sá de Miranda, originally constructed before 1879. The history of Povoado da Santinha reaches further back still. The settlement was inhabited at the end of the Bronze Age, in the 10th century BC, and later during the Roman period. This gives you a broad historical perspective that is not limited to a single era.
Near Amares, the former Cistercian monastery, Convento de Santa Maria do Bouro, adds another perspective on historic architecture. In 1994, as part of a conversion project by architect Souto Moura, it was transformed into accommodation belonging to Pousadas de Portugal. The interior of Mosteiro de Santa Maria do Bouro is designed in the Baroque and Rococo styles. The building’s conversion and its stylistic description offer two different points of interest for anyone curious about how historic buildings are adapted and designed.
The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia is classified as a property of public interest in the Amares and Terras de Bouro area. This designation extends beyond a single municipality. The sanctuary is also the destination of an annual pilgrimage by the Arciprestado de Amares e Terras de Bouro. When planning your trip, it is therefore helpful to keep the sanctuary’s connection to both municipalities in mind.
Orange-growing culture, wine and the rhythm of the year
Laranja de Amares can remain on the tree until it is eaten and is available from May to August. The sculpture “Vinho Cru” provides another link to winegrowing: it stands at the entrance to Amares and pays tribute to wine and the people who work in the vineyards. Local themes thus bring together a specific product season and a public artwork connected with winegrowing.
The Feira Franca in Amares also celebrates the region’s oranges. Held annually, the fair includes competitions in which farmers submit oranges for judging. Dates and the programme may change, so check the details for the year of your trip if you are planning to attend.
The major Romaria to the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia is celebrated annually on 15 August. This fixed date falls within the availability period for Laranja de Amares, which runs from May to August. You can therefore plan a stay around different interests: orange season spans several months, while the Romaria takes place on a specific day. For the Feira Franca, it is advisable to check the dates and programme separately.
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