Portugal’s hidden gem stands before us. Amarante, a municipality and municipal seat in the Tu00e2mega e Sousa subregion, awaits our exploration. The city has been a part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network since 2017. It earned its place as a City of Music.
Amarante’s story stretches back to the Stone Age. Primitive peoples hunted in the Serra da Aboboreira. Later, came the Bronze Age and Romanization. Queen D. Mafalda ordered the Albergaria do Covelo do Tu00e2mega built in the 12th century. It sheltered travelers. Settlements grew around churches like Su00e3o Veru00edssimo and Lufrei.
Gonu00e7alo, a Dominican friar, arrived. He transformed Amarante. He built the stone bridge across the Tu00e2mega River. After his death, Amarante became a pilgrimage site. It grew substantially.
King D. John III expanded the local church in the 16th century. It became a Dominican monastery. A flood destroyed the bridge in 1763. It was rebuilt.
French forces invaded during the Peninsular War. Marshall Soult’s troops reached the Tu00e2mega bridge. They needed to connect with Spain. They advanced from Porto towards Marco de Canaveses through Amarante. Loison’s troops looted and burned Vila Meu00e3, Manhufe, and Pidre. They continued looting. They spared large family residences to use as headquarters and hospitals.
Vestiges of the French invasion remain to this day in Amarante. Look for them in the Estate of Magalhu00e3es. The Church of Su00e3o Gonu00e7alo has perforated tiles. Damaged pyramids mark the bridge.
The bridge was crucial in the northern campaign’s resistance. Brigadier Silveira led Anglo-Portuguese forces. Badly-equipped citizens and clergy resisted for 14 days. They stopped Napoleon’s forces. This became known as the heroic defense of the bridge of Amarante.
French forces used fog and gunpowder. They created confusion among the defenders. Loison continued his journey. Brigadier Silveira reorganized his forces. He forced the French to withdraw. Silveira received a cavalry command. He became the Count of Amarante. The town received the Order of the Tower and Sword.
Amarante is in the Minho region. It neighbors Celorico de Basto, Gestau00e7o, Gouveia, and Santa Cruz de Riba Tu00e2mega. Administrative reforms in the 19th century changed things. Gouveia, Gestau00e7o, and Santa Cruz de Ribatu00e2mega became extinct. Amarante absorbed many parishes.
The Tu00e2mega River flows through Amarante. The Ponte Su00e3o Gonu00e7alo, a large arched bridge, crosses it. It is said to have helped fend off a French attack. Cafu00e9s and restaurants line the river’s steep banks. Amarante is tied to the tale of Saint Gonu00e7alo de Amarante.
The Tu00e2mega Line Ecotrack is for bicycles and pedestrians. The Amarante Golf Course has 18 holes.
Amarante’s architecture features Romanesque style. Monuments mark deserted areas and crossroads. Amarante joined the Sousa Valley Romanesque Route in 2010.
Important religious buildings stand north of the Tu00e2mega. To the south, you can find churches in a more modest style.
Amarante is twinned with Wiesloch, Germany. It is also twinned with Chu00e2teauneuf-sur-Loire and Achu00e8res, both in France.
As you explore Amarante, remember its history. It is a town of resilience and beauty. It is a place where legends come to life. Take in the sights. Savor the flavors. Experience the spirit of Amarante.