Coelhoso brings together cultural heritage, archaeological sites, the mining history of the Minas da Ribeira and the PR5 hiking route. Its themes range from local history to country paths and views. When planning your trip, consider whether cultural history or hiking should be the main focus.

Connections and Location

Coelhoso is connected to Bragança by the EN 217 road. The Sabor runs along the eastern side of the village, while a tributary lies on its northern flank. These geographical connections are distinct: Bragança is accessible by road, while the Sabor and the tributary mark the eastern and northern edges of the village, respectively.

Cultural Heritage and Local History

The Berrão de Coelhoso is a roughly carved granite animal figure, located in a central square. The present-day Igreja de São Tiago was rebuilt in the village centre in the last quarter of the 18th century. The figure and the church represent different cultural themes: an animal depiction in granite and the architectural history of a church building.

The archaeological sites in the area also differ in kind: Castrilhão de Coelhoso is a fortified settlement, Crasto de Coelhoso is a settlement site, and the Estelas de Coelhoso are a stele. The Capela de Santo António is considered a cultural heritage site of interest worth preserving in Coelhoso. The Fonte dos Milagres is a small stone structure. Shepherds have traditionally brought their animals there to perform blessing rites. Thus, local history encompasses archaeological features, architectural history and traditional rituals.

Mining History and Work Routes

The Minas da Ribeira have a mining history spanning around 150 years. During the Second World War, tungsten mining employed around 2,000 people. The length of the mining history and the number of workers illustrate two different aspects: the broader historical context and the scale of employment during wartime.

The history of work also includes the Ponte do Mineiro outside Coelhoso. It served as a crossing over the Sabor for miners travelling to work at the Minas da Ribeira in Coelhoso. The bridge and the mines have different geographical locations: the mines are in Coelhoso, while the bridge is outside the village.

Hiking on PR5

The PR5 route – Por trilhos das Minas da Ribeira offers views of the mountain of the Capela de Santa Bárbara; Santa Bárbara is the patron saint of miners. On the return to Coelhoso, the route follows country paths through agricultural land. When planning your hike, you can distinguish between the view and the character of the route: the view is of the mountain, while the return leg crosses cultivated land. Check the route’s current status and conditions before setting out. The PR5 return route leads to Coelhoso, distinguishing its geographical connection from that of the Ponte do Mineiro, which lies outside the village.

Discover more destinations: Rabal, Bragança, Rebordaínhos, PALAÇOULO, Carrazedo, Baçal, Milhão, Outeiro

Return to the main travel overview: Bragança.