Longroiva: Thermal Baths, Cultural Heritage and Landscape

Longroiva combines thermal waters, medieval streets and an unusually rich history. The Termas de Longroiva are located in a transition zone between the natural regions of Planalto Beirão and Alto Douro. Those looking for a mix of peaceful days, cultural discoveries and landscape experiences for a family holiday will find various travel ideas here, without having to limit themselves to just one type of excursion.

Thermal Waters and a Relaxed Day of Travel

The Termas de Longroiva are thermal baths focused on health and well-being. The natural mineral water has a sulphur content, an outlet temperature of 47 °C and a pH value of 8.9. The facilities also include a swimming pool. This gives Longroiva a clear focus for travellers who want to plan time for relaxation alongside sightseeing. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can consider this wellness focus as one of the criteria for planning your trip.

Castles, Romanesque Architecture and Traces of the Templars

Among the notable cultural heritage sites are the remains of Castelo de Longroiva. They are classified as a National Monument and are considered an important example of Templar military architecture and Romanesque castle architecture in Beira Interior. The keep is epigraphically dated to the year 1174. Together with the Romanisation of Longroiva from the 1st century onwards under the name Langóbriga, this creates a historical arc that extends far beyond the Middle Ages.

The religious buildings also make the town varied and appealing to visitors interested in culture. The Igreja Matriz de Santa Maria has Romanesque origins. Its chancel ceiling is decorated with 17th-century paintings depicting the Last Supper; the Igreja Matriz also has gilded Baroque-style altars. The Capela da Senhora do Torrão was originally a small Romanesque religious building in which evidence of the Templars has been preserved. Next to the Capela de Nossa Senhora do Torrão are anthropomorphic tombs dating from the 12th century.

Townscape and Evidence from Earlier Eras

Longroiva can also be explored through its townscape: the white houses stretch along the western side of the hill, following compact medieval streets. The Pelourinho de Longroiva also stands in the town and is classified as an Imóvel de Interesse Público, meaning public cultural heritage of special interest. After being demolished in 1883, it was restored in 1961.

Another exceptional connection to the past is the Estátua-Estela de Longroiva. It is considered the most important evidence of prehistoric settlement in this area and was discovered at Quinta da Veiga in April 1964. This gives families and other travellers who want to learn about history not only through castles but across different eras several distinct points of connection.

Paths Through Valleys, Cultivated Land and Vineyards

The Vale da Veiga de Longroiva, beside the Ribeira dos Piscos, is considered grazing land at an altitude of 300 metres. A regional circular route through Mêda, Longroiva and Marialva leads through hills, valleys and villages, as well as cultivated land and vineyards. In addition, the route “Beiras e Serra da Estrela: No Percurso dos Tempos” presents walking along Longroiva’s Roman roads as a visitor activity. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore decide whether the focus of your trip should be more on thermal waters and local history or on regional landscape trails.

Longroiva as a Search Destination for Your Holiday

A holiday apartment in Longroiva offers a suitable base if you want to combine thermal baths, cultural heritage and a rural landscape during the same trip. Plan your days according to your interests: a peaceful stay centred around the Termas de Longroiva, a cultural and historical discovery of the town’s streets and buildings, or a tour through the landscapes of the neighbouring towns. For further trip planning, you can also visit the pages on Mêda and Outeiro de Gatos.

Return to the higher-level travel overview: Mêda.