Ruivães

Once a vital hub, Ruivães whispers tales of bygone eras. Ruivães sits nestled on the slopes of the Serra da Cabreira, along the Rabagão and Cávado rivers. The Saltadouro River cuts through its heart. This village, once the heart of a larger freguesia, holds a population of 738, a testament to its enduring appeal. Ruivães wasn’t always just a village. It was once a significant administrative center, a vila and the seat of a concelho. This concelho met its end in 1853. The surrounding freguesias were absorbed into Montalegre. Ruivães, however, along with Campos, became part of Vieira do Minho. This transition marked a shift in Ruivães’ identity, from a bustling center of power to a tranquil village. The spirit of Ruivães lives on in its rich history. It was once known as Vilar de Vacas and belonged to the Casa de Bragança. Its history dates back to at least 1426. Ruivães boasts a fascinating connection to the “Sete Honras de Barroso”. Together with Campos, it formed the “couto” of Ruivães, a unique administrative division. The village’s past is marked by conflict. It witnessed clashes between liberals and miguelistas, even providing shelter to Paiva Couceiro and his troops in 1919. A dark tale surrounds the last “capitão-mor” of Ruivães. A staunch miguelista, he was allegedly assassinated by victorious liberals in 1832. Ruivães offers a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. The Pelourinho de Ruivães, a symbol of its former administrative importance, stands proudly. The Ponte de Mizarela, shrouded in the legend of the Devil’s construction, adds a mystical touch. Also known as Ponte dos Frades, it connects Ruivães to Montalegre. The Ponte de Rães and Caminho de Ruivães, classified as a public interest site in 2020, invite exploration. Ruivães is home to intriguing prehistoric sites, including the Gravuras rupestres do Zebral, also known as Laje dos Cantinhos. Religious heritage abounds in Ruivães. The Igreja Paroquial, Capela da Roca, and several other chapels and alminhas dot the landscape, each with its own story to tell.