Gonça: Pilgrimage, Wine and Prehistoric Traces

In Gonça, the themes range from prehistoric traces and the history of the São Mateus pilgrimage to a winery with a history of its own. These different highlights offer a variety of ways to shape your trip: you can explore early history, learn more about religious customs or include wine in your plans.

Prehistory across a long span of time

Mamoa II – Senhora do Monte is a burial mound from the later prehistoric period in Gonça. It dates from the end of the 4th millennium BC to the 7th century BC. Another point of interest is a castro, or hillfort, which stood in Gonça around 2,000 years ago and belongs to the cultural context of the Iron Age. These two references represent very different time spans: the mamoa reaches far back into prehistory, while the castro belongs to a much later period. Anyone interested in the history of the area will find two clearly distinct historical topics here.

São Mateus: pilgrimage and bell tower

The São Mateus pilgrimage has been celebrated at the parish church of São Miguel de Gonça since 1751. Before that, the devotion was transferred there from a small, dilapidated chapel in Vilarinho. This account connects the church with an earlier site of religious customs. The bell tower is also part of the history of São Miguel: it was completed in 1933 and inaugurated in September of that year during the São Mateus festival. Thus, the long history of the pilgrimage sits alongside a precisely dated event from 1933. Prehistory and the São Mateus tradition therefore offer distinct cultural and historical highlights for planning your trip.

Winery and landscape

Quinta Eira do Sol in Gonça was rebuilt from the ruins of the former Quinta da Fonte. Visits and wine tastings require advance booking and are subject to the winery’s availability. If you would like to include this activity in your plans, book in advance and check availability. This lets you make the visit a considered part of your trip rather than assuming it will be available spontaneously.

The landscape also has its own distinctive features: natural water emerges from underground in Gonça. The Rio Selho runs through the parish of Gonça. These details relate to different aspects of the area—naturally emerging water and a river flowing within the parish. They complement the historical themes with a glimpse of Gonça’s natural surroundings.

Choose the right focus for your stay

When looking for a holiday rental in Gonça, consider which themes matter most to your stay. If you are particularly interested in prehistory and religious customs, the mamoa and the São Mateus tradition offer different historical points of interest. If a wine tasting is a priority, make sure to account for advance booking and the availability of Quinta Eira do Sol. If this activity is a main reason for your trip, check the arrangements as early as possible.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Vieira Do Minho, Celeirós, Revelhe, Anjos, Gondoriz, Lago, Aldreu, Sobradelo Da Goma

Return to the main travel overview: Braga.