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12 reasons to fall in love with Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima

1 - Long and remarkable history


Here, history and heritage are everywhere. Ponte de Lima harmoniously combines elements of our ancestors and a picturesque and bucolic ‘postcard’. The roman and gothic bridge has joined the banks of the Lima from two thousand years and it is our main attraction. 



2 - Nature, a step away


The majestic nature is all around: forests, greenways, parks, gardens… a wide avenue of plane trees (Avenida dos Plátanos) welcome all visitors including pilgrims, since Ponte de Lima is on the Portuguese Way to Santiago.



3 - Lima River


In Ponte de Lima you can sense the close proximity of the river.  Called Lethes – The river of Forgetfulness, by the Romans (who believed  that those who cross would forever lose their memory).
The connection between this town and the river that gave part of its name is very strong and even today, we have to recognise the added value which is also an outstanding point for tourism and environment.


4 - Food culture


Enjoy delicious local gastronomy, as "Arroz de Sarrabulho" (a rice dish served with marinated pork). Lamprey from river Lima is also highly appreciated and like any portuguese land, a popular and traditional codfish dish, here prepared salt cod with onions. All of the delicacies accompanied by Vinho Verde. For those with a sweet tooth, there is the delicious crème brûlèe (leite creme). There are numerous restaurants in town serving these specialities, therefore an opportunity to try them in their place of origin should not not be missed.


5 - Friendly and helpful locals


Our Authenticity… extremely hospitable townspeople will love to tell you about the town’s best secrets.


6 - Great events all year round


Gastronomic festivals, thematic festivals, populares happenings, sport events, cultural festivities… during all year. Enjoy!

7 - Enchanting surroundings


Beautiful landscapes, incredible and panoramic viewpoints. Escape to nearby surroundings and romantic outskirts, pack a picnic and explore the countryside and the fancy manor houses. The vineyards, treks and rural paths are great to relax.



8 - Museums


Five museological spaces: Terceiros Museum, Portuguese Toy Museum, Centre for the Interpretation of the Military History, Vinho Verde Interpretation and Promotion Center, Territory Interpretation Centre. 


9 - International Garden Festival


The International Garden Festival of Ponte de Lima is an annual event occurring from the end of May and closing at the end of October. Twelve temporary gardens are on exhibition. Discover different gardens in different seasons.



10 - Lagoas de Bertiandos e São Pedro d'Arcos – Protected Landscape


A wetland of International Importance, due to its rare habitats and its biodiversity, the protected area extends around two lagoons and the banks of river Estorãos, covering a total area of around 350 ha. 


11 - Vaca das Cordas


Vaca das Cordas could be called the most traditional tradition of Ponte de Lima, since the origins of this unique celebration are lost in the mists of time. On the eve of Corpus Christi, in the late afternoon, thousands of people wait to see the cow guided by ropes around some streets and the river bank.


12 - Feiras Novas


Feiras Novas happen over the second weekend of September when the hot summer sun starts to prepare its departure, as Ponte de Lima decks itself out for its main annual festival. People with their joy and spontaneity, their responses and spirit, their singing and dancing in any corner of the town, transform Feiras Novas into a unique event and a festival that is considered the "Largest live conference of popular culture in Portugal."



Description
1 - Long and remarkable history


Here, history and heritage are everywhere. Ponte de Lima harmoniously combines elements of our ancestors and a picturesque and bucolic ‘postcard’. The roman and gothic bridge has joined the banks of the Lima from two thousand years and it is our main attraction. 



2 - Nature, a step away


The majestic nature is all around: forests, greenways, parks, gardens… a wide avenue of plane trees (Avenida dos Plátanos) welcome all visitors including pilgrims, since Ponte de Lima is on the Portuguese Way to Santiago.



3 - Lima River


In Ponte de Lima you can sense the close proximity of the river.  Called Lethes – The river of Forgetfulness, by the Romans (who believed  that those who cross would forever lose their memory).
The connection between this town and the river that gave part of its name is very strong and even today, we have to recognise the added value which is also an outstanding point for tourism and environment.


4 - Food culture


Enjoy delicious local gastronomy, as "Arroz de Sarrabulho" (a rice dish served with marinated pork). Lamprey from river Lima is also highly appreciated and like any portuguese land, a popular and traditional codfish dish, here prepared salt cod with onions. All of the delicacies accompanied by Vinho Verde. For those with a sweet tooth, there is the delicious crème brûlèe (leite creme). There are numerous restaurants in town serving these specialities, therefore an opportunity to try them in their place of origin should not not be missed.


5 - Friendly and helpful locals


Our Authenticity… extremely hospitable townspeople will love to tell you about the town’s best secrets.


6 - Great events all year round


Gastronomic festivals, thematic festivals, populares happenings, sport events, cultural festivities… during all year. Enjoy!

7 - Enchanting surroundings


Beautiful landscapes, incredible and panoramic viewpoints. Escape to nearby surroundings and romantic outskirts, pack a picnic and explore the countryside and the fancy manor houses. The vineyards, treks and rural paths are great to relax.



8 - Museums


Five museological spaces: Terceiros Museum, Portuguese Toy Museum, Centre for the Interpretation of the Military History, Vinho Verde Interpretation and Promotion Center, Territory Interpretation Centre. 


9 - International Garden Festival


The International Garden Festival of Ponte de Lima is an annual event occurring from the end of May and closing at the end of October. Twelve temporary gardens are on exhibition. Discover different gardens in different seasons.



10 - Lagoas de Bertiandos e São Pedro d'Arcos – Protected Landscape


A wetland of International Importance, due to its rare habitats and its biodiversity, the protected area extends around two lagoons and the banks of river Estorãos, covering a total area of around 350 ha. 


11 - Vaca das Cordas


Vaca das Cordas could be called the most traditional tradition of Ponte de Lima, since the origins of this unique celebration are lost in the mists of time. On the eve of Corpus Christi, in the late afternoon, thousands of people wait to see the cow guided by ropes around some streets and the river bank.


12 - Feiras Novas


Feiras Novas happen over the second weekend of September when the hot summer sun starts to prepare its departure, as Ponte de Lima decks itself out for its main annual festival. People with their joy and spontaneity, their responses and spirit, their singing and dancing in any corner of the town, transform Feiras Novas into a unique event and a festival that is considered the "Largest live conference of popular culture in Portugal."

Visite Ponte de Lima
Visite Ponte de Lima
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