Soutelo: Hiking, Pilgrimage and Architectural History

Soutelo combines hiking trails with sacred architectural history and an annual pilgrimage date. If you are looking for a hotel in Soutelo, you can plan your stay around these interests: a route, a specific building or the date of the pilgrimage. These points of interest differ considerably in their relevance—from an approximate distance along a route to a fixed date and individual architectural features.

Hiking and Views

Starting in Soutelo, PR7 takes you to Castro de Anissó after about three kilometres. The A Senhora da Lapa hiking trail is four kilometres long and is listed as taking one hour and 30 minutes. The relevant reference point is important when making comparisons: for PR7, the approximate distance refers to the route to the Castro; for A Senhora da Lapa, the trail’s length and duration are given. This makes it easier to avoid confusing a distance to a destination with a stated total length.

Another scenic point of interest is Baloiço de Soutelo, which offers a view of the Barragem do Ermal. If you want to include viewpoints as well as hiking destinations in your interests, this view adds a different focus to your selection.

Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage

The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Lapa is located on Monte de Penamourinha in the parish of Soutelo. It was built inside a rock in 1694, commissioned by João Gonçalves and his wife Margarida da Silva. Several inscriptions are engraved into the ceiling. The year it was built, its patrons and its construction inside the rock provide specific historical reference points; the inscriptions add another detail.

Near the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Lapa there is a bandstand, several fountains and facilities to support the annual pilgrimage. It takes place every year on the second Sunday in July. If you would like to plan your trip around the pilgrimage, this recurring Sunday provides a specific reference point; check the event dates for the year in question.

Buildings and Historical Dates

The Igreja Paroquial de Soutelo dates from 1720 and is in the provincial Baroque style. The houses have different features: Casa da Lavandeira is located in Lugar da Igreja and dates from 1711. Casa da Calçada is a rural residence with two windows decorated with graceful corbels.

The three dates can be placed in chronological order: the sanctuary was built in 1694, Casa da Lavandeira dates from 1711, and the Igreja Paroquial from 1720. There are 26 years between the oldest and the most recent building mentioned. This sequence spans the late 17th and early 18th centuries and allows a chronological comparison between the sanctuary, house and church.

Discover more destinations: Guilhofrei, Soengas, Vila Seca, Cova, Vilar Chão

Return to the main travel overview: Vieira Do Minho.