Discover Longroiva: thermal baths, history and landscape

Longroiva can be considered from several perspectives when planning a trip: the thermal baths focus on health and well-being, while the castle, churches and other historic sites reflect different periods. The landscape and routes add a regional perspective to these themes. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Longroiva, you can first consider whether thermal waters, cultural history, or trails and landscapes will shape your itinerary most.

Thermal waters and well-being

Termas de Longroiva is a thermal spa focused on health and well-being. Its natural mineral water contains sulphur, emerges at 47 °C and has a pH of 8.9. Its sulphur content, temperature and pH give the thermal water a specific profile if you are interested in its properties. The spa is located in a transition zone between the natural regions of Planalto Beirão and Alto Douro. Its facilities include a swimming pool. If the pool is important to your plans, check its current availability before travelling.

Castles, churches and historic sites

The remains of Castelo de Longroiva are classified as a National Monument and are considered a significant example of Templar military architecture and Romanesque castle architecture in Beira Interior. The keep is epigraphically dated to 1174. The architectural classification and the date provide two distinct points of reference for the castle’s history.

Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria has Romanesque origins. Its gilded altars are in the Baroque style, and the choir ceiling is decorated with 17th-century paintings depicting the Last Supper. The church’s origins, furnishings and subject matter each offer a different perspective on its history.

Capela da Senhora do Torrão was originally a small Romanesque religious building containing surviving evidence of the Templars. Anthropomorphic tombs dating from the 12th century lie beside Capela de Nossa Senhora do Torrão. The building’s history and the tombs add different forms of medieval evidence to the historical picture.

Pelourinho de Longroiva is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público, meaning a public property of special interest. After being demolished in 1883, it was restored in 1961. Estátua-Estela de Longroiva is considered the most important evidence of prehistoric settlement in this area; it was discovered in April 1964 at Quinta da Veiga. Longroiva’s Romanisation from the 1st century onwards, under the name Langóbriga, also forms part of its historical context.

One hypothetical interpretation places a Roman road route in the wider surrounding region: from São João da Pesqueira via Penedono and Longroiva towards Marialva, the Civitas Aravorum. This proposed alignment is a possible historical connection, not a confirmed route description.

Townscape, landscape and trails

Longroiva’s white houses stretch along the western side of the hill, following compact medieval streets. Vale da Veiga de Longroiva, along Ribeira dos Piscos, lies at an altitude of 300 metres and is considered pastureland. The two landscapes offer different points of focus: the townscape, with its hillside setting and streets, and the valley, with its elevation and its character as pastureland.

A circular route passes through Mêda, Longroiva and Marialva, as well as hills, valleys and villages, farmland and vineyards. The regional route “Beiras e Serra da Estrela: No Percurso dos Tempos” presents walking the Roman roads of Longroiva as an activity for visitors. You can therefore distinguish between the route options depending on whether you are interested in the Roman roads as an activity or in a circular route with its towns and landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Mêda, Outeiro de Gatos.

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