Poiares brings together several reasons to stay: a route to Santiago de Compostela begins in the parish, while the river, valley and mountainous terrain shape the area. Historic buildings, people and cultural traditions add to this picture. When choosing a destination, you can therefore focus on a specific aspect: the route, the landscape or the history of the place.
Landscape between the Neiva and Monte da Padela
Poiares lies on the right bank of the Neiva, in a valley with fertile soils irrigated by watercourses. Forests are part of the mountainous area, with Monte da Padela particularly prominent. Poiares also lies in the valley of Monte da Padela. The landscape can therefore be viewed from two perspectives: the irrigated river valley and the forested, mountainous area around Monte da Padela. If you choose Poiares for its surroundings, you can see this combination as an essential part of the place’s character.
A route to Santiago de Compostela
The Way to Santiago de Compostela in Ponte de Lima begins in the parish of Poiares. Near the Capela de São Sebastião and the Cruzeiro do Senhor das Necessidades, the route continues towards the Igreja Paroquial de Vitorino das Donas. This identifies a starting point, two named landmarks and the direction in which the route continues. If the Way of St James is a factor in choosing a destination, Poiares offers a specific connection to this route.
Local history and buildings
The first known mention of Poiares dates from 1220, when the place was referred to as “De Sancto Jacobo de Poiares”. Another historical date is 1746: the Igreja de Poiares, the parish church of Poiares, dates from that year. It is considered a masterpiece of Poiares’ architectural heritage. These two details provide context for different aspects: the first known mention of the place and a church with a documented date.
The Casa da Torre belonged to Padre António, a prominent figure in the parish. Frei Pedro de Poiares, a writer and preacher, was born in Poiares. The Capela de São Miguel Arcanjo is also one of Poiares’ sights. Alongside the dates, people and named buildings thus offer their own perspectives on the history of the place.
Cultural traditions
The Rancho Folclórico e Etnográfico da Casa do Povo de Poiares was founded in August 1984 to revive and pass on older traditions. The Grupo de Bombos de Poiares performs at processions and festivals, as well as on stage and in street parades. A folklore festival is held during the annual celebrations in honour of the patron saint, São Tiago Maior. This describes both the settings in which the bombos perform and the festive context of the folklore festival.
Wine made from Loureiro grapes
A local wine is another specific connection to Poiares: Taberna Afonso produces a white wine in its wine cellar from 100% Loureiro grapes grown in its vineyards in Poiares. If you consider regional produce as well as landscape and cultural heritage when choosing a destination, this wine offers a tangible culinary connection.
Discover more destinations: Anais, Calheiros, Beiral Do Lima, Seara, Gaifar, Calvelo, Moreira Do Lima, Labrujó
For the broader travel overview: Ponte De Lima.
