Arcas combines Solar das Arcas with the Rota do Rio Macedo, a hiking route that starts and ends in the village. There is also the regional food culture of Trás-os-Montes and a three-day festival in August. This gives you a mix of architecture, landscape and seasonal traditions to consider when planning your trip; you can choose which of these will shape your stay based on your interests and when you visit.

Solar das Arcas and historic architecture

Solar das Arcas is located in Arcas, in the Freguesia de Arcas in the Concelho Macedo de Cavaleiros, and is classified as a Monument of Public Interest. The official classification dates from 25 March 2021. The manor house was probably built in the 18th century and is considered a characteristic example of a Baroque manor house. A private chapel is built into one end of its façade. This combination of manor house and chapel gives the building a distinctive architectural character and makes it a tangible point of connection with local history. Along the Rota do Rio Macedo, you can also see the Igreja Matriz and the Fontanário in Arcas. The route therefore brings two other built landmarks into view alongside Solar das Arcas.

The Rota do Rio Macedo

The Rota do Rio Macedo is 9.3 km long and starts and ends in the village of Arcas. From Arcas, it descends through a patchwork of farmland to the Rio Macedo. After leaving the village, the route passes the Capela do Nosso Senhor dos Passos, where its circular section begins. The chapel is outside the village centre. This sequence links the village section with a route through agricultural landscapes to the river. You can use the route’s length as a concrete guide when planning your day.

Casulas and Palaio: regional food culture

Casulas are a typical product of Trás-os-Montes, particularly the Terra Fria. They are eaten mainly in winter and often served as an Entrudo dish. To make them, beans are harvested while still in their pods, when the beans have formed but are not yet dry. The pods are cut into pieces if necessary and dried in the sun for several days on straw or blankets. Palaio is a type of sausage typical of northeastern Trás-os-Montes. It is made during the slaughter season and kept for later consumption. In many villages, Palaio is added to Carnival stews along with other sausages; Casulas can also be served with them. Together, these dishes show how the harvest season, drying and storing provisions are connected with seasonal cuisine.

August festival and getting there

The Festa do Divino Senhor dos Passos takes place on the second Sunday in August and lasts for three days. The exact festival dates may vary from year to year; therefore, check the dates for the year of your visit if you want to plan your stay around the celebration.

For road access, the Freguesia de Arcas can be reached via the IP4 to Mirandela. Check road conditions before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Bornes, Santa Combinha, Morais, Podence.

For the main travel overview: Macedo De Cavaleiros.