The interactive exhibition area at Porta do Neiva, dedicated to “From Honey to Kaolin,” covers around 70 square metres. Historic buildings, archaeological remains and cultural traditions offer further perspectives on Vila de Punhe.

Porta do Neiva: Landscape and Geodiversity

Porta do Neiva presents locally designated areas, including the Special Areas of Conservation in the Litoral Norte Natura 2000 network. Archaeological sites such as Castro de Roques are also among the topics presented there. Visitors can also explore the geodiversity sites of the Neiva Valley, including fossilised trunks of Juniperoxylon pachyderma. Porta do Neiva also has an educational programme coordinated with school associations.

Porta do Neiva welcomes visitors Monday to Friday by prior appointment, Saturdays from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00, and Sundays from 14:30 to 18:30. Check the opening hours again before travelling.

Walking trails with different highlights

The waymarked short-distance walking trail PR19 – Trilho do Castro de Roques also passes through Vila de Punhe. This challenging circular route is 14.18 kilometres long and takes around five hours to walk. The PR26 – Trilho das Quintas is located in Vila de Punhe and showcases the municipality’s landscape, ecological and cultural diversity. Among its points of interest is Casa da Torre das Neves, which the trail passes by, among other places. When choosing a route, the PR19 stands out for its circular layout and time required, while the PR26 highlights the municipality’s diversity and its connection with Casa da Torre.

Archaeology and architectural history

Archaeological remains at Rexio in Vila de Punhe date from the Bronze Age and are estimated to belong to the period from around 1000 to 450 BC. Castro de Roques on Monte Roques, also known as Monte do Santinho, covers about six hectares and is one of the largest castros in Minho. Foundations of three concentric defensive walls are still visible.

The parish church of Vila de Punhe was built in 1770 and extensively renovated in 1929. Cruzeiro do Senhor da Saúde was built in 1817 and commemorates the turbulent period of the French Invasions. Casa da Torre de Nossa Senhora das Neves dates from the first half of the 16th century. Its core consists of a rectangular living area with an adjoining square tower.

The historic Moinho do Inácio was already operating in 1837. It was restored and inaugurated on 4 October 2014.

Traditions and cultural expression

Auto da Floripes is a popular theatrical performance with a dramatic plot, text, singing, dancing and mime. It also includes comic and satirical episodes.

Festa de Nossa Senhora das Neves is a pilgrimage in Neves involving the parishes of Vila de Punhe, Mujães and Barroselas. A tradition passed down through generations, devotion and a shared history shape the pilgrimage.

Palacete Norton Arrais in Neves is an outstanding example of Vila de Punhe’s civil architecture. It was built in the early 20th century in connection with emigration to Brazil.

Discover more destinations: Lanheses, Outeiro, Anha, Mujães, Meixedo, Viana Do Castelo, Chafé, Montaria

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