Lemenhe

Hidden within the rolling hills of northern Portugal lies the village of Lemenhe. Do you know what its name means? It comes from the Arabic term “Lamenhi”, roughly translating to “Whose is it?”. This speaks to a history of conquests and uncertainty. Lemenhe in its early days saw many disputes over ownership. Lemenhe is an ancient village. It rests about five kilometers from Vila Nova de Famalicão. It was once its own parish, a small administrative region. This changed on September 29, 2013. Lemenhe then merged with two neighboring villages. It joined with Mouquim and Jesufrei. Together they formed a new, unified parish. Lemenhe became the seat of this new administrative area. The village itself covers a modest area. It spans about 2.67 square kilometers. According to the 2011 census, about 1272 people called Lemenhe home. This quaint village holds a significant religious site. It is home to the Santuário Mariano de Nossa Senhora do Carmo. This sanctuary stands out. It is the only Marian sanctuary in the entire municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão. The history of Lemenhe is fascinating. A devastating flood ravaged Lemenhe on June 13, 1874. Torrential rains caused the local river to swell. The water rose an astonishing three meters. The flood caused widespread damage, from Cambeses to the Ave River. It uprooted trees, destroyed walls, and even swept away mills. One unfortunate man from Gamil sought refuge on a mill’s roof. But the raging waters carried him away, all the way to Rio Covo. The total damage exceeded thirty contos de réis. It’s a stark reminder of the power of nature. Interestingly, a chapel dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Água Levada (Our Lady of Carried Water) later became the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Carmo. Perhaps this shift reflects the community’s attempt to find solace and hope after the devastating flood. Today, Lemenhe stands as a testament to its resilience. It offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rich history, marked by both peaceful times and turbulent events.