Aguiar: Hiking Route and Historic Bridges

Aguiar combines a named hiking route with traces of cultural history. Sights along the “Pelos caminhos da Chã de Arefe” route include the Ponte Seca and the archaeological settlement site of Povoado do Picoto dos Mouros. The Ponte das Tábuas crosses the Rio Neiva and is a recommended destination for an excursion. The “Santa Lucrécia” leisure park is also located in Aguiar. These places offer different points of interest for a trip: a hiking route with cultural links, historic structures and a leisure park.

A route through architectural and archaeological history

The route passes through parts of the territory of the União das freguesias de Durrães e Tregosa and the União das freguesias de Quintiães e Aguiar. The Ponte Seca, one of the route’s points of interest, was built in the 19th century. The Povoado do Picoto dos Mouros, an archaeological settlement site, is also among the route’s sights.

The two sites offer different points of interest. The Ponte Seca is a bridge whose construction period is explicitly stated, while the Povoado do Picoto dos Mouros is an archaeological site. Those interested in cultural heritage can therefore distinguish between architectural history and archaeology within the route’s theme. The combination of a hiking route and these cultural sites makes Aguiar appealing for travel plans that bring together exercise and historical themes.

Ponte das Tábuas on the Rio Neiva

The Ponte das Tábuas crosses the Rio Neiva and has been documented since 1135. It is a recommended destination for an excursion. Together with the Ponte Seca, it offers an illuminating comparison across time: the 19th century is given as the construction period for the Ponte Seca, while 1135 marks the beginning of the documentation of the Ponte das Tábuas. The dates therefore refer to different aspects of their history, not to two comparable construction years.

When it was repurposed in 2018, the Ponte das Tábuas was designated exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists; motorised traffic was to be excluded. Check the current access conditions locally before visiting.

Another leisure attraction

The “Santa Lucrécia” leisure park in Aguiar was inaugurated on 4 June 2017. This adds another named place to include in travel plans alongside the hiking and cultural themes. If you plan to visit the park, check locally in advance which facilities are currently accessible.

Choose the right focus for your trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Aguiar, it can help to first decide what kind of excursions you have planned. The route offers a clearly named hiking theme with two distinct cultural sites; the Ponte das Tábuas provides a different historical point of interest on the Rio Neiva. The leisure park offers another kind of experience. Consider whether you want to plan your trip mainly around the route, historic sites or a mix of these interests. Check current route and access conditions before finalising your day’s plans.

Discover more destinations

Vila Frescainha (São Pedro), Durrães, Silva, Vila Boa, Barqueiros, Cossourado, Grimancelos, Balugães

For the overview of the wider destination: Barcelos.