Location: Ponte de Lima
Top Things to do in Ponte de Lima
- 1. Ponte Romana
- 2. Museu do Brinquedo Portugues
- 3. Ponte de Lima Bridge
- 4. Igreja Matriz de Ponte de Lima
- 5. Festival Internacional de Jardins
- 6. Largo de Camoes
- 7. Torres de Sao Paulo e da Cadeia Velha
- 8. Parque do Arnado
- 9. Lagoas de Bertiandos e S. Pedro de Arcos
- 10. Igreja de Santo Antonio da Torre Velha
10 Things to Do in Ponte de Lima That You Shouldn't Miss
Ponte de Lima (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpõt(ɨ) ðɨ ˈlimɐ]), is the oldest vila (chartered town, head of a municipality) in Portugal. It is part of the district of Viana do Castelo. The population in 2011 was 43,498, in an area of 320.25 km². The town proper has about 2,800 inhabitants.
Restaurants in Ponte de Lima
1. Ponte Romana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 702 reviews
Reviewed By TomFarhias - Kongsberg, Norway
If you are in Ponte de Lima, it is mandatory to go through the Roman bridge. It is a nice experience to think about all the years of history that this bridge has witnessed. Take advantage of the view of the town for both sides. It is also a great opportunity to take some great photos.
2. Museu do Brinquedo Portugues
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
Reviewed By GingerPanamaCity - Panama City
If you are looking for an opportunity to lose yourself in a couple of hours reminiscing about your childhood toys and games, take a visit to this lovely museum. (There's nothing digital here!). In addition to being a testimony to Portugal's fantastic toy manufacturing industry, they have some fabulous exhibits and at the end of the main museum tour, a huge train-set - something that children from our era at least could only dream of.
3. Ponte de Lima Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 71 reviews
Reviewed By Amanda G - County Dublin, Ireland
This is a beautiful old medieval city crossing the river Lima. The bridge is a stunning piece of architecture which must be seen, offering fabulous views of the old town, the river and the mountainous backdrop. As you cross the bridge, medieval music plays from the lamp posts as if you've traveled back in time.
There are numerous cafes, bars and restaurants to dine in and the narrow roads hide old rustic, stone buildings and homes. It is definitely worth a few hours of your time if doing the Camino or simply driving through Portugal
4. Igreja Matriz de Ponte de Lima
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 101 reviews
Reviewed By Amazon122s - Santa Comba Dao, Portugal
Another interesting monument that we have seen while we were in Ponte de Lima, was the Igreja Matriz de Ponte de Lima, who has being erected in the North Roman style, and his construction came to an end halve the 15th century. The mean facade is devided in two bodies.
The location is close to the Largo de Camões, we could not see the inside of the church because of the Sunday service in course, but instead of that we took advantage of this time to see other interesting places in Ponte de Lima.
5. Festival Internacional de Jardins
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Fruit plants, clinging plants and vines that existed were kept offering visitors more shade, making this space even more welcoming to those who visit. The International Garden Festival of Ponte de Lima is an annual event occurring from the last Friday of May and closing on October 31st.
Reviewed By Robin W - san francisco, ca
Stay away from Ponte de Lima during the second weekend of September. We had to detour on the Camino when we realized the festival meant no rooms would be available. We went to Braga for the weekend which was delightful but we thought we'd be safe arriving Sunday night. Wrong. The streets were still filled (not what you want to see after a day on the Camino) and fireworks went 1am-2am followed by drunks in the street. Not a good Camino experience although the town looked like it might be lovely at other times.
6. Largo de Camoes
Overall Ratings
4 based on 95 reviews
Reviewed By Robby G C - Toronto, Canada
This square is quite lovely, at least to my taste. There is a huge Fountain that beautifies this whole place. Behind the Fountain are several pubs and restaurants, where people enjoy the Sunshine and good food.
On the square was also a very interesting tree. It is gnarled and looks ancient. It too brings some character into the mix.
Facing the Fountain we see the Ponte de Lima Bridge in all its beauty.
I enjoyed this square, especially the gnarled tree and the beautiful Fountain
7. Torres de Sao Paulo e da Cadeia Velha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Dating as far back as 1125, Ponte de Lima is known as the oldest Portuguese town. Its ramparts were built on the 14th century and the two remaining fortification towers. as well as a small part of the old walls, can still be seen and visited at the very center of this historic town. The towers of "São Paulo" (St. Paul) and of "Cadeia Velha" (Old Prison), connected by the remaining walls, are worth of a quick visit, as witnesses of Ponte de Lima's history and legend. The "Cadeia Velha" was used as a prison until 1860, being recently renovated into an art gallery and a tourist information center. Enjoy!
8. Parque do Arnado
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By RandyMK - London, United Kingdom
When we were growing up we loved to wander and discover new things...the sun was shining....we found this lovely garden behind the church.....it was loaded with fabulously planned walkways with grape vine covered trellises, lilly pond Fountains with little fish, a proper rose garden, a greenhouse with birds, well planned and designed benches of wrought iron or wood, lovely little people Playgrounds and also a big people playground........AMAZING and hidden from most tourists!!!!!
This casual discovery captured us for 60-90 minutes despite our need to move on to other parts of our day. We will return
9. Lagoas de Bertiandos e S. Pedro de Arcos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Reviewed By Margaret A - Braga District, Portugal
This is a beautiful, tranquil area ideal for walking and a picnic. There are trails marked, a raised walkway through the wetland and brilliant walks through the forest. A guidebook can be bought at the tourist centre.
10. Igreja de Santo Antonio da Torre Velha
Overall Ratings
4 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
While visiting Ponte de Lima and crossing the famous Roman Bridge, you will find the beautiful "Igreja de Santo António da Torre Velha" (Church of St. Anthony of the Old Tower), built and rebuilt between the 18th and 19th centuries, in the baroc style. Its façade is covered with beautiful and traditional blue tiles, very caractheristic of the Portuguese architecture. The outstanding bell tower can be seen all over town. Enjoy!
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