Discover Felgueiras: churches, trails and wine

Felgueiras brings together architectural history, trails, mills and wine experiences. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, choosing what interests you can help with your planning: churches and their architecture are one focus; routes and regional food and drink experiences offer other highlights. The places below differ in age and subject, so you can include culture, activity and wine in your itinerary in a way that suits you.

Churches and architectural history

The Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Pombeiro was founded in 1102 by D. Gomes Echiegues and his wife, Gontroda. In the church, three naves divide the space, separated by transverse arches. Its foundation date and interior provide two specific starting points for exploring the site from both a historical and an architectural perspective.

Several building phases come together at the Igreja de Santa Maria de Airães. The building may date back to the late 11th century. It preserves traces of alterations from the late 13th or early 14th century, as well as later changes in the modern era. The walls of the chancel feature 17th-century tile panels, with blue designs depicting camellias and geometric motifs. The church has been classified as a National Monument since 29 September 1977.

The Igreja de São Vicente de Sousa preserves medieval architectural features, including a 12th-century arcosolium and a west portal. It too has been classified as a National Monument since 29 September 1977. A consecration ceremony for the Igreja do Salvador do Unhão is recorded as having taken place on 28 January 1165; Magister Sisaldis is named as its master builder. Its west portal dates from the 13th century and has capitals decorated with plant motifs. The church has been classified as a Property of Public Interest since 5 January 1950.

Construction of the Santuário de Santa Quitéria began in 1719. Eight chapels on the hillside commemorate the life and martyrdom of the saint. They add a distinct religious and architectural dimension to a visit to the sanctuary.

Trails, mills and industrial heritage

The section of the Caminho de Torres in Felgueiras is 16.9 kilometres long and rated as easy. It follows sections of an old Roman road and offers the opportunity to visit several historic monuments. Its length and difficulty rating give you a clear idea of how much time to allow for the walk; the route also connects stretches of trail with historic buildings.

The Rota dos Moinhos offers a different perspective: it leads to working watermills powered by a levada. The Rota do Turismo Industrial de Felgueiras, in turn, offers experiences at places with active industries or industrial heritage. These are connected with products and production processes, as well as their historical and cultural past. The routes offer different ways to explore crafts, production and history, distinct from a visit to a single church.

Wine and local cuisine

The Rota do Enoturismo de Felgueiras includes visits to wine estates and cellars, time spent among the vineyards, wine tastings and wine purchases. If wine is to be a focus of your trip, this route brings together several aspects of the subject: visits to wine estates and cellars, time in the vineyards and tastings.

A particular dish also forms part of the area’s culinary history: Bacalhau à Felgueiras was created in 2019 by chefs from Felgueiras, working together under the coordination of head chef José Vinagre. Its origins offer a distinct connection to local cuisine alongside the activities on the wine tourism route.

Getting to Felgueiras

If you are travelling by car, the A4, A11, A41 and A42 motorways provide access to Felgueiras. Road conditions and toll arrangements can change, so check the latest information before setting out. There is no direct rail connection. To connect by train, you can travel to Caíde, Vizela or Guimarães and then continue to Felgueiras by another mode of transport. As services and connections may change, check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Felgueiras, Vila Cova de Lixa, Baião, Póvoa de Varzim, Vila Nova De Famalicão, Marco de Canaveses, Gondomar, Lavra.

For the main travel overview: Porto.