Freixo de Espada à Cinta

The origin of its name is yet to be uncovered. There are legends that have remained in time and space, and yet their origin remains uncertain. This is one of them. We do not know if it was a nobleman nicknamed «feijão» [bean] who founded the town; if it was the Visigoth called «espadaacinta»; or whether it was the King D. Dinis, who, passing through this land, rested in the shade of an ash tree [freixo in Portuguese]. So many other legends replayed in our ears. Of such number that we are always impelled to return to Freixo de Espada à Cinta, birthplace of poet Guerra Junqueiro, and to continue on this path to discovery. It’s just that around here, there is certainly no lack of scenic, cultural and gastronomic charms, and many stories to remember.

Pieces of history and heritage capture our attention as we wander the streets of Freixo de Espada à Cinta. Then, from the top of the mountains, the magnificent landscapes viewed from lofty lookout points take care of our soul. Visiting what is one of the most distant municipalities of the country, eyeing Spain rolling out before us, watching the meandering of the waters of the Douro, spotting vultures and golden eagles, is to caught tight in the history of a people. It has so much to treat us with. So much to discover. In this small town in Portugal’s interior, the best thing we find is its people, their friendliness and welcoming nature.
Around, we passed through the land, as if along a narrow walkway, and visited this Manueline town of Portugal. We passed by the Torre do Galo tower, saw the castle keep and walked up the street to the Silk and Territory Museum, a must-visit, dedicated to the history of the silk tradition, with the craftspeople working right before your eyes. For silk threads come from cocoons and beautiful fabrics are produced.
There is another venue worthy of our attention: the Casa Junqueiro Regional Museum, at no.7, Rua de São Francisco, which portrays the social existence of the poet Guerra Junqueiro, who was born in this town in 1850. The museum’s collection features objects from the beginning of the 19th century. The house belonged to Junqueiro Velho – the poet’s father. But the house where the poet was born, in Rua das Flores, can also be visited, so that you can understand his biography in more detail, which is displayed on panels.
Finally, with breathtaking views of the Douro, at the Congida river beach, we embarked on a boat trip along the International Douro, which reveals to us the last charms of this little paradise. The beach is located by the reservoir formed by the Saucelle Dam, and is composed of large lawned gardens, a place where relaxing, in the late afternoon, on the slopes of the river, enjoying the panoramic view, will lead anyone to surrender to the small town of Freixo de Espada à Cinta.