Did you know that the name of this place, Cabeceiras de Basto, actually comes from a legend? It’s a story that has been passed down through generations, a testament to the courage and spirit of the people who live here.
The legend tells of a time when the Visigothic Empire was threatened by the Moors, led by the fearsome Tarik. As the Moors swept through the region, their terror spread, and they eventually reached the Monastery of São Miguel de Refojos. The monks and the people of the region, led by the revered Abbot D. Gelmiro, prepared to defend their home. One of the bravest among them was Hermigio Romarigues, a warrior monk known for his strength and the scars on his face from countless battles.
When the Moorish army approached the bridge leading to the Monastery, Hermigio, standing tall and proud, raised his hand and declared with a booming voice, “Até ali, por São Miguel, até ali, basto eu!” – meaning, “I will stand my ground until the end, for Saint Michael!” His words echoed throughout the valley, inspiring his fellow defenders and striking fear into the hearts of the Moors.
And stand his ground he did. Three times the Moors attacked, their numbers overwhelming, but three times they were met with Hermigio’s mighty sword, his defense as strong as the walls of the Monastery. The bridge was littered with bodies, the Moorish advance stalled. The legend says that Hermigio’s bravery not only saved the Monastery but also marked the beginning of the Reconquista, a centuries-long struggle to reclaim the Iberian peninsula from the Moors.
The statue of “O Basto,” a proud Lusitanian warrior, stands as a testament to this heroic figure and the region’s fierce spirit. It embodies the inhabitants’ bravery, honesty, and enduring strength, a legacy that lives on in the name, Cabeceiras de Basto.