Ponte do Lima Things to Do

Torre de São Paulo - Tower of St Paulo - was named after an image/statue of St Paulo that was formerly situated on the adjacent wall. When this tower was built on the 14th century it was part of the walls that surrounded the village with defensive purposes. It has a panel that is worth seeing because it is made in azulejos (Portuguese tiles). This tower has 2 "marks" that represent the point to which the river grew during two major floods that damaged the village.

Torre da Cadeia Velha could be translated as Tower of the Old Jailhouse; it is also known as Torre da Porta Nova - Tower of the New Door. The actual tower comes from the refurbishment made to the old walls and existing tower then (that date from the 14th century and that surrounded the village with defensive purposes). That refurbishment was concluded in 1511 and had the purpose to install a Jailhouse in this village - therefore, the name given to the tower. In the late 19th century a door was "opened" in the tower, and this explains why the tower is also known as the Tower of the New Door.

This church is from an institution of Mercy that is known in Portugal as Holy House of Mercy (Santa Casa da Misericórdia). The actual church was built in the 17th and 18th centuries, being altered later by the development of the village and the new streets. This church is opposite to Parish church, so if you are visiting the later take also some time to admire the Santa Casa da Misericórdia Church.

The Parish church dates (probably) from 1446 and it was ordered in 1425 by King D. João I. It was refurbished along the years, therefore the several styles that can be seen nowadays - Romanesque, Gothic and Neo-Classic. On top of the main door there is a beautiful detail that is clearly Gothic style and which can be found in some Portuguese churches that have Gothic influence, such as the Basilica Sta Luzia in Viana do Castelo. Inside, the church is also very beautiful. Notice the coloured image on my photo.

This square - Largo de Camões - is a landmark: here was the dividing point between the village (inside the defensive walls) and the river's sand. As the defensive walls were demolished in the 19th century, this square grew larger. It was later - in early 20th century - made higher (the ground was "elevated") so that the river floods wouldn't affect it. The fountain that can be seen in the square is Renaissance style.

This chapel - Chapel of the Guardian Angel - dates from the 13th century and was refurbished in the 18th century after it was severely damaged by the river floods. It shows details of both Romanesque and Gothic styles. I find its shape particularly curious as a kind of shelter - in this chapel you may find an image of St Miguel.

This church was built in the 19th century as a result of the refurbishment of an Ermida. The tower (on the back of the church) was built later. On the outside of this church you will find some examples of Portuguese tiles - azulejos. This church is situated on the other side of the Bridge (opposite margin of the village) and near you will find the Capela do Anjo da Guarda.

Ponte de Lima is bathed by the River Lima. In sunny days like the one we visited Ponte de Lima, the river provides a pleasant view and a quiet place to take a stroll through the path that runs along the river. I even managed to see some ducks (when I was standing on the Bridge) playing in the water. :-)