Walking guide Ponte de Lima, the oldest town in Portugal

Because Ponte de Lima already received market rights in 1125 , it is considered the oldest city in Portugal (with market rights). The fact that there is a of the best preserved Roman bridges in Portugal and on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route , it is one of the most charming towns in the country. It is known for its rich history, beautiful location and authentic Portuguese atmosphere.

This walk visits all the major sights of the city.

Start at the parking Parque de Estacionamento do Festival Internacional de Jardins. We walk through the Arnado Theme Park that would take visitors on a journey through the history of garden art .

This brings us to the Church of St. Anthony and the Roman bridge where an enormous stone pilgrim statue welcomes pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago.

We walk along the Lima to the Capela de São João, turn back and walk along the Pereiras Chapel to the imposing town hall building dating from 1439, which is located on the colorful Jardim Dr. Adelino Sampaio. We now walk to the Santuário da Senhora da Lapa sanctuary where, according to tradition, the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared.

Passing the palace of the marquises with its square towers and battlements and the church of Santa Maria dos Anjos we arrive at the square with the Noble Fountain opposite the Roman bridge.

We now return with a view of the river and pass the 14th century Torre de S. Paulo and the Monument Vaca das cordas which honours the bullfight. Further along the Torre da Cadeia Velha (Old Prison Tower) or Porta Nova which is also part of the 14th century walled structure of the city.

We walk a little to the Roman legion of the legend of the river Lethes on the riverbank. Note the statue of commander Decius Junius Brutus on the other side of the river.

On the riverbank there are some impressive sculptures and the Terceiros Museum is a reference in the field of sacred art. Before we cross the bridge to return to the parking lot we come to the Church of Our Lady of Guia.

Be sure to also consult the information about the sights once you are there . They will explain what you will see!

This tour/city walk is part of a series of city walks and tours starting from Resende and Arcos near Ponte de Lima and described in "Day trips Douro and northern Portugal".

09/2025