Amarante, on the banks of the Tâmega about sixty kilometres from Porto, is a small stone town dominated by the São Gonçalo convent and its 18th-century bridge. It is easily visited in a day, with a stop to taste the local convent pastries and the region's vinho verde. The Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Municipal Museum, housed in the convent, presents the work of the modernist painter born in the region.
Highlights
The São Gonçalo bridge
A granite bridge over the Tâmega, the symbol of the town; the view from the riverbanks of the houses with balconies is the most photographed. You can cross it freely.
The church and convent of São Gonçalo
On the riverside, the church holds the tomb of Saint Gonçalo, patron saint of the town. Entry to the church is usually free; check the service times.
The Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum
Housed in the convent (Alameda Teixeira de Pascoaes), it presents works by Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, a figure of the early 20th-century Portuguese avant-garde, and archaeology collections. Open Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays and public holidays; published hours vary (generally from 9:30-10am to 5:30-6pm with a break at midday): confirm them with the museum on +351 255 420 272.
Amarante's sweets
The town's convent pastries, such as papos de anjo or foguetes, are sold in the pastry shops around the bridge; they go well with a glass of the region's vinho verde.
Practical info
Tips
- We found no official fare for the museum or the bus: ask at the reception and at Porto's bus station. For another excursion, see Guimarães from Porto or the Douro Valley, the closest for a trip by train or boat.
How to get there
Direct bus from Porto (about 1h), to be checked on the operators' websites; by car, allow about 1h on the A4 motorway. The centre is easily covered on foot.
Opening hours
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