Lodares

Nestled where the Sousa and Mezio rivers meet, Lodares patiently gathers the rich sediments left behind. Lodares, also known as Santa Marinha de Lodares, thrives in this fertile embrace. This Portuguese village, the heart of the Lodares parish in the municipality of Lousada, covers 3.58 square kilometers. As of the 2021 census, Lodares boasted a population of 2,063, creating a density of 576.3 inhabitants per square kilometer. The rivers have shaped not only the land but also the history of Lodares. Ancient properties like Lama, Sequeiros, Bairros, and Quintans flourished thanks to the fertile ground. Journey back to the inquiries during the reign of King Afonso III. The jurors declared that Lodares belonged to knights and inheritors. The Archbishop of Braga confirmed the parish priest. At that time, Lodares comprised 39 “casais,” most belonging to the Bustelo and Pombeiro Monasteries. Later, during King Dinis’s inquiries, the Quinta de Lodares, once owned by Martim Leitão and also known as “Joãa,” was investigated, leading to the involvement of the royal steward. Fast forward to the Parish Memories of 1758. Lodares belonged to the Comarca de Penafiel, Bispado do Porto, and Termo da Vila de Barcelos within the Lousada council. The patrons were the Bishop and the Convent of Cete. The document notes two watermills on the Sousa River, an olive press in Alamo powered by livestock, but no pizoins (presumably a type of water lifting device) or noras (water wheels). The church in Lodares, significantly altered over the years, particularly its façade, dates back to the 18th century. Remnants of the older church are scattered throughout the parish house garden. The Chapel of Santa Isabel, predating 1623, also stands in Lodares. Its current structure, however, reflects late 18th-century craftsmanship. A beautiful 18th-century calvary graces the small hill in front of the church. Several interesting manor houses dot the landscape, including Casa de Vilar, Casa das Quintans, and Casa da Lama. Lodares, a place where rivers, history, and architecture intertwine, offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Portuguese heritage.