On the banks of the River Lima lies Portugal’s oldest
town, Ponte de Lima, one of the brightest gems of the Minho region. Charming by
nature, the town, whose history dates back to prehistoric times, possesses a
unique scenic beauty. Characterised by its medieval architecture and the Ponte
Velha (or Old Bridge, until the Middle Ages this was the only bridge that
served as a safe passage across the river), which is one of the town’s landmark
symbols, by its town walls and the two (of nine) towers commissioned by King
Pedro in the 14th century, it is packed with a lifelong of history. As you walk
through the town centre, you can feel the essence of times gone by,clearly
present in the cobblestones, the houses and the walls. Everywhere you go we are
travelling back in time. There are Gothic, Baroque, neoclassical and
nineteenth-century façades that emphasise the cultural and architectural
history.
Along both banks of the River Lima, an eco-path has
been built, with several trails, which is truly wonderful. Whether you’re
walking or cycling, on a sunny day or even on a cold one, you will find it
impossible to resist the park benches facing the river, which beckon you to sit
and watch the water peacefully flowing by. You should also be prepared to see
canoeists out training. This is because Ponte de Lima is home to one of the
best nautical clubs in the country, where great champions of the sport have learnt
their craft, such as local boy Fernando Pimenta. Sport energises the region and
for this reason there are a number of sports facilities, both outdoor and
indoor – something the municipality is committed to. There are also countless
activities related to nature, such as hiking, horse riding, tennis and golf at
Axis Golfe Ponte de Lima, one of the country’s most attractive courses. In
fact, there’s no shortage of things to do. And you can’t miss out on a visit to
the various gardens that embellish this town, inviting you to take long walks,
read a book or just relax, such as the Jardim dos Terceiros, the botanical
garden and the Avenida dos Plátanos.
