Lanheses brings together cultural and historical heritage with routes through the Lima landscape. To help you choose where to stay, consider two questions: Would you like to focus on local history and its different layers over time, or on trails and places to relax? The Ecomuseum, historic sites and archaeological evidence provide concrete points of reference for the first option; trails and Parque Verde shape the second.

Local history across different periods

The former primary school building in Lanheses is the starting point for the Ecomuseu de Lanheses. The Ecomuseum presents an exhibition of 120 photographs dedicated to preserving the “Memórias de Lanheses”. Its connection to the area is clear in the exhibition’s subject: the photographs serve to keep the memory of Lanheses alive.

The Quinta e Paço de Lanheses has been documented since the late 15th or early 16th century. The Pelourinho de Feira now stands at the entrance to the gardens of the Paço de Lanheses. A much earlier period is represented by the Cividade de Lanheses: a fortified agricultural settlement typical of the region, whose occupation dates back to the 1st century BC. Thus, an archaeological site from pre-Christian times stands alongside the Quinta, documented at a later date.

The local history of ceramics is also part of Lanheses: the town’s ceramic wares were faience. The date of the Ponte de Linhares is less certain: it may date from the 15th or 16th century.

Trails and landscapes along the Lima

The “PR25/PEQ1 - Pedestrian and equestrian Lima River Trail” can be explored on foot or on horseback. It starts at Largo da Seara in the centre of Lanheses. The route is about 18 kilometres long and crosses the floodplain on the right bank of the Lima, between the municipal boundary of Viana do Castelo and the Freguesia of Lanheses.

The “PR22 - Trilhos dos Romeiros” hiking trail also starts in Lanheses and is part of the Geoparque Litoral de Viana do Castelo. The two trails offer different points of reference: the PR25 is described as suitable for horseback riding and following the Lima, while the PR22 is distinguished by its starting point in Lanheses and its inclusion in the geopark.

The Lima itself is also significant for nature conservation: the stretch of river that passes through Lanheses forms part of the Special Area of Conservation PTCON0020.

Leisure and choosing where to stay

Parque Verde de Lanheses is the main recreational area of the Freguesia of Lanheses. Together with the trails and the connection to the Lima, it offers another perspective alongside the area’s history. When looking for a holiday rental in Lanheses, you can pin down your priorities: would you like your stay to focus mainly on the Ecomuseum, historic sites and archaeology, or would you prefer to explore the trails and landscape? The topics on offer make Lanheses a clear choice both for those interested in cultural history and for those drawn to hiking and places to relax.

Discover more destinations: Meixedo, Viana Do Castelo, Anha, Mujães, Outeiro, Deocriste, Montaria, Vila de Punhe

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