Discover Mazarefes

The history of Mazarefes can be explored through its sacred buildings, traces of the Pereira family and a megalithic monument. There is also the Veiga de São Simão, a large wetland of importance to wading and water birds. As a result, Mazarefes brings together different interests: church history and family connections, as well as a landscape and its birdlife. This range offers a concrete starting point when choosing Mazarefes as a destination for your stay.

Churches and family history

The Capela de São Simão preserves the site of the original parish church of São Simão da Junqueira de Mazarefes. The Igreja Paroquial de São Nicolau de Mazarefes represents a different development. Originally, it was a chapel of the “small monastery” of the Benedictine Congregation of Compostela. Later, it served as the private family chapel of the noble Pereiras de Mazarefes family. The former family chapel was transferred to the parish of Mazarefes and is now the parish church of São Nicolau de Mazarefes. In contrast to the Capela de São Simão, which preserves the site of the original parish church, São Nicolau thus tells a story of successive uses.

The south-facing side wall of the Igreja Paroquial de São Nicolau de Mazarefes still bears the coats of arms of the Pereiras Pessanhas and the ruins of the passageway. The ruins of the old manor house near the church, damaged by a fire, also retain the remains of that passageway to the church choir. These structural traces connect the history of the manor house with the church. Another family connection is a granite tomb: a member of the Pereira family had it built for himself against a side wall of the family’s private chapel in Mazarefes.

Megalithic heritage and wetlands

The Mamoa de Mazarefes also forms part of the area’s cultural heritage: it is listed as a megalithic monument. Thus, alongside the churches and the structural traces of the Pereiras, there is another form of cultural heritage. The Veiga de São Simão adds a landscape dimension to these historical themes. The wetland lies on the left bank of the Lima estuary and covers around 700 hectares. Several species of wading and water birds use it as a refuge and feeding ground.

The different themes offer distinct perspectives. The churches highlight changing religious functions and the connection to the Pereira family; the Mamoa adds a megalithic monument. The Veiga de São Simão, by contrast, draws attention to the wetland and its birdlife. When planning your stay, you can therefore consider whether you are mainly interested in the history of the sacred buildings and their family connections, or whether you would also like to include the landscape and its importance to birds.

When looking for a hotel in Mazarefes, this contrast in themes can help guide your travel plans: the historic buildings and the Mamoa form a cultural focus, while the Veiga de São Simão adds a natural history aspect. This allows you to choose Mazarefes based on the interests you want your stay to reflect.

Discover more destinations: Vitorino Dos Piães, Soajo, Barroselas, Vila Nova Da Cerveira, Pinheiros, Cardielos, Vila Nova de Cerveira, Freixieiro De Soutelo

Return to the broader travel guide: Viana Do Castelo.