Santa Marta De Penaguião: Wine, Landscape and Cultural Heritage

Santa Marta de Penaguião stretches from the basin of the Rio Corgo to the heights of the Serra do Marão. Extensive vineyards shape much of the landscape. At the Miradouro de Santa Barbara, about 470 metres above sea level, the view opens onto the lush slopes of the Corgo and the Alto Douro Vinhateiro, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. From here, you can also see the winding Rio Corgo, whose banks are lined with terraced vineyards.

Viewpoints, river and walking trail

The Miradouro do Viso offers a different landscape: from there, views extend across the landscapes of the Serra do Marão, rugged mountain terrain and Fraga da Ermida. There is a picnic area at the viewpoint and good access; access conditions may change. While Santa Barbara opens up views of the Corgo and its vineyard terraces, the mountain landscapes and Fraga da Ermida take centre stage at Viso.

Praia Fluvial de Fornelos lies beside the clear waters of the Rio Aguilhão. River and beach conditions vary by season. For those who prefer to explore on foot, there is the Trilho das Portas da Vila: this marked and signposted short-distance walking trail is part of the municipal walking trail network, whose composition may change. Before setting out, check the trail markings, signage and maintenance.

Chapels, churches and historic buildings

The Chapel of Santa Marta stands above the present-day town of Santa Marta de Penaguião and gave the municipality its current name. The rectangular, whitewashed building is set in a partially walled churchyard. The Pelourinho de Santa Marta de Penaguião stands out for its simple form: it rests on three round steps and has a smooth cylindrical shaft topped with a truncated cone. Classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público, it is recognised as cultural heritage worthy of protection.

The parish church of São Miguel de Lobrigos dates in its present form to the 18th century, as do its gilded carvings. At the Santuario de Nossa Senhora do Viso, an intricately crafted main altar of gilded carved wood is paired with 17th-century azulejos in the nave. Two 17th-century religious images are also kept there: Senhora da Luz and Senhora das Neves.

In Medrões, the Fonte do Rei adds another stop to the historic tour. This 18th-century civil structure bears royal coats of arms. Its elegant granite back wall displays a coat of arms, topped by a crown, a shell or scallop shell, and two pinnacle-shaped finials. The structure also has two water spouts.

Winegrowing and experiences in the Douro

Santa Marta de Penaguião’s connection to the demarcated Douro wine region is closely linked to Frei João de Mansilha. Wine production also includes a cooperative winery that produces table wines and fortified wines. The landscape, too, tells the story of winegrowing: vineyards cover much of the area and shape the slopes along the Rio Corgo.

Horta Osório Wines is located at the highest point of Quinta dos Osórios. The upper floor houses a tasting room with views of the Douro and the Serra do Marão. If you plan a visit, check in advance whether visits are possible. Quinta Senhora da Graça offers winegrowing activities where you can learn about cultivation and winemaking methods, as well as wine tastings led by an oenologist. Hiking trips focused on the Douro landscape are also available. The visits therefore offer different focuses: winegrowing, tasting or landscape.

Culture and local traditions

The Semana Cultural de Santa Marta de Penaguião brings together tradition, culture, gastronomy, wine and local customs. Each edition has its own theme; the programme includes themed evenings and a traditional ethnographic parade. Themes and dates vary from one edition to another. The event began between 1984 and 1986. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Santa Marta De Penaguião, Cumeeira, Chaves, Mesão Frio, Oura, Montalegre, Mondim De Basto, Provesende.

For the main travel overview: Vila Real.