Paços lies on the River Minho and brings together a connection to the river and a range of cultural themes: artisanal fishing, church architecture and a local legend. It also has a historical role between Portugal and the Kingdom of León. If you take cultural history and local traditions into account when choosing a destination, Paços offers several distinct points of interest.

Historical Traces on the Minho

Historically, Paços was an important stopping point for pilgrims and traders travelling between Portugal and the Kingdom of León. Documents refer to the place as a “Vila” from 1210; Paços also has Roman roots. Its ancient past, historical designation and role as a crossing point are distinct aspects of the area’s history.

Fish Weirs and Artisanal Fishing

The fish weirs associated with Paços on the River Minho, and the artisanal fishing tradition linked to them, are listed in Portugal’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Some fishers still use the weirs today. This brings together the cultural recognition of a tradition and its continued use by some fishers.

Church Architecture and an Architectural Detail

The parish church of Paços dates from the 16th century. It was renovated in the 17th century after Spanish troops set it on fire. Its construction and subsequent renovation therefore belong to two different centuries, with the fire occurring before the renovation.

An arch on corbels survives in the outer side chapel of Santa Ana; it is thought to have formed the opening of the original chapel. The arch is a specific architectural detail, while its identification as the original opening remains a probable interpretation.

The Legend of Coto de Sant’Ana

The legend of Coto de Sant’Ana is set in the area of the Freguesia of Paços in Melgaço, now União das Freguesias de Chaviães e Paços. The riverbanks and the international stretch of the River Minho form its narrative setting.

According to the legend, an unmanned boat carrying a stone image of a saint and a bell arrived on the Minho. After the image repeatedly turned towards Spain, the residents built a chapel facing Spain. The boat’s arrival by river and the chapel’s orientation thus come together in a connected narrative.

The legend takes a different focus from the parish church’s building history: Coto de Sant’Ana centres on the narrated arrival and the orientation towards Spain, while the church’s history centres on its construction and renovation. Both themes offer different ways into the cultural history of Paços.

Festivities in August

The chapel of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes is located in Paços. The festivities of Nossa Senhora de Lurdes in Paços are associated with the period from 20 to 25 August. Check the current dates if you would like to plan your stay around these festivities.

Discover more destinations: Lamas De Mouro, Cubalhão, Melgaço, Castro Laboreiro.

Go to the main travel overview: Melgaço.