Discover Tarouca: Monasteries, Trails and the Varosa Landscape

Tarouca combines an impressive cultural history with trails through a varied landscape. The Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Salzedas lies in a valley through which the Torno and Varosa rivers flow. Historic bridges, viewpoints and opportunities for walks by the water complement the themes to discover in Tarouca. Anyone planning a trip with different ideas for each day will find points of interest here covering culture, activity, landscape and regional specialities.

Monasteries, bridges and historic traces

The Mosteiro de Santa Maria de Salzedas lies in a valley through which the Torno and Varosa rivers flow. The monastery was extensively expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries. The additions included a monumental 18th-century cloister designed by the Maltese architect Carlos Gimach. Its integration into the Vale do Varosa project in 2009 made it possible to open the site and its museum centre to the public in October 2011.

Another important stop is the Mosteiro de São João de Tarouca. It was the first monastery of the Cistercian Order founded in Portuguese territory. The foundation took place in 1140, construction began in 1154, and the church was consecrated in 1169. Visitors can walk among the ruins of the former monastery and view tile panels from the early 18th century in the church. This makes it possible to learn about the history not only through dates, but also through surviving architectural and decorative elements.

The Ponte Fortificada de Ucanha also provides a striking historical landmark. The present fortified bridge was probably built in the 14th or 15th century and replaced an earlier bridge with Roman connections. Other testimonies to past eras include the Casa do Paço de Dalvares, a medieval manor house; the Arco de Paradela, a granite commemorative arch from the middle of the 12th century; and the pillories of Tarouca, Ucanha and Várzea da Serra. The Pelourinho de Tarouca returned to its original location in 2021; the Pelourinho de Ucanha probably dates from 1673, while the Pelourinho de Várzea da Serra was erected between the 16th and 17th centuries.

Trails along the water and viewpoints

For hiking and walking plans, the Caminho dos Monges offers a special connection between the landscape and monastic history. The intermunicipal trail is approximately 41 kilometres long, of which 21.2 kilometres run through Tarouca and 19.8 kilometres through Lamego. It is directly connected with architectural sites of the Cistercian Order. Anyone looking for a shorter outing can include the Rota dos Moinhos de Cister in their plans. The footpath leads to three mills powered by the force of the Varosa River.

Tarouca’s designated footpaths also include the Caminho de São João de Tarouca a Vilarinho, the Caminho de Santa Helena ao Cristo-Rei and the Caminho de Vila Pouca a Eira Queimada. The Parque Ribeirinho de Tarouca offers a walk among trees, green spaces and bodies of water. For views across the landscape, there are Monte de Santa Helena, the Cristo-Rei viewpoint and A Padiola. From Monte de Santa Helena, the view stretches across the Tarouca valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. Cristo-Rei offers views of Tarouca, Lamego, Vila Real, the Serra do Marão and the Meadas; A Padiola looks out over hills, trails, forests and the Varosa valley.

Regional specialities and living traditions

Tarouca is also associated with Murganheira, a regional sparkling wine made from selected grape varieties. At the Museu do Espumante, the artisanal production process from grape harvesting to the finished product is presented. The Murganheira caves are carved into blue granite rocks. Várzea da Serra offers a particularly diverse selection of traditional handicraft products, including reed Croças, Burel hoods, woollen socks, linen cloths and towels, as well as patchwork blankets made on wooden looms. Salzedas is associated with the traditional Biscoito da Teixeira. A fixed date in the annual calendar is Tarouca’s municipal festival in honour of Saint Michael: it takes place at the end of September, on 29 September, with a traditional fair.

The right accommodation for your travel plans

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home in Tarouca, you can make your preferred focus for the trip the starting point for your plans. For days centred on culture, monasteries, bridges, manor houses and historic stone monuments take centre stage. If you would like to combine landscape and activity, the designated trails, the mill route and the viewpoints can serve as a guide for planning your days. Regional products and handicrafts also give the trip its own character.

This allows you to decide whether your days should be shaped primarily by culture, walks, scenic viewpoints or culinary discoveries. Tarouca offers a versatile basis for this, without every trip having to follow the same itinerary.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Sátão, Penedono, Lamego, Resende, Nelas.

To the higher-level destination overview: Viseu.