Amares: Monasteries, Thermal History and Valleys

Amares lies between the Cávado Valley and the Serra do Gerês and is considered a very fertile region. A trip here brings together sacred architectural heritage, thermal history and rural landscapes as distinct themes. If you are looking for a hotel in Amares, historical sites or the landscape can shape the focus of your trip: attractions range from monasteries and a sanctuary to riverside scenery, mills and viewpoints.

Monastic History and Architecture

The Benedictine Order founded Mosteiro de Rendufe in the 11th century. According to an inscription in the floor, the church of Mosteiro de Santo André de Rendufe was already completed in 1151. The foundation of the monastery and the completion of the church therefore mark different points in time. In 1877, a fire almost completely destroyed Mosteiro de Santo André de Rendufe. Its history spans the monastery’s foundation in the 11th century, the church’s completion in 1151 according to the floor inscription, and the fire of 1877 that almost completely destroyed Mosteiro de Santo André de Rendufe.

The history of Mosteiro de Santa Maria do Bouro begins differently: the Cistercian Order founded the monastery in the 12th century. It was converted into a pousada as part of a project by the architect Souto Moura. This is distinct from Pousada Mosteiro de Amares: Souto Moura restored the building while preserving its appearance as a ruin. At Bouro, the focus is on adaptive reuse; at Amares, on preserving the effect of the ruins. Ponte de Rodas also adds to the cultural and historical attractions: it is classified as a National Monument.

Sanctuary and Thermal History

The climb to Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Abadia passes eight chapels along a Way of the Cross. Inside the sanctuary, the three-aisled Baroque church and an organ from the late 18th century are notable features. The former pilgrims’ quarters now house the Museu de Arte Sacra e Etnográfico da Confraria de Nossa Senhora da Abadia. In this way, the route to the sanctuary combines art with the museum use of the former quarters.

The Termas de Caldelas offer a different historical point of reference. The Romans used the thermal springs, and significant archaeological remains attest to this use. The water contains bicarbonate, calcium and fluoride. Caldelas is therefore notable both for its history of use and for the water’s composition.

Urjal, Valleys and Mills

Baloiço de Urjal is located at Miradouro do Monte das Cadeiras and offers views across the Cávado and Homem valleys. Typical rural Minho houses, espigueiros and watermills form part of the historic village center of Urjal. The Percurso Pedestre das Termas de Caldelas, meanwhile, passes through a rural landscape with former water-powered mills. You can choose between a viewpoint overlooking the valley and a route whose description brings together the rural surroundings and the former use of water power.

Área de Lazer de Felinhos is situated on the Homem. It includes woodland, tables, small islands, watermills and bathing areas. This makes it different from both the viewpoint near Urjal and the rural route by the Termas de Caldelas: here, the focus is on the features of a designated riverside recreation area.

Urjalândia is a seasonal attraction. The project began in 2017 and combined the idea of a sustainable Christmas village with the participation of the rural community. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the dates for the relevant year.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Amares, Bouro-Santa Marta, Rendufe, Caldelas, Torre, Bico, Carrazedo and Vieira Do Minho.

For the main travel overview: Braga.