Montanhas

The Montanhas, or Mountain region of Portugal, is located in the country’s extreme northwest corner, bordering Spain. If you enjoy the mountains, this region is perfect for your Destination Wedding since it has some of the most breathtaking mountainous landscape in the country. Here you will find endless mountains with plenty of massive stones and granite temples.

The people from this region have worked hard to maintain their traditions and heritage. Here the people produce their own wines, cure their own meats, smoke their own sausages and create their own handicrafts. Really, how often does a visitor get to taste authentic homemade hams and sausages, or purchase bottles of wine made from grapes harvested in the person’s own backyard? It is a real treat to watch how these people work collectively and how genuinely friendly they are. It is no wonder this region has some of the most animated festivals in the country.

In your exploration of the Montanhas region, a good starting point is the medieval town of Bragança. Even today much of the original wall that guarded the city still stands. Moreover, its XIIth century castle is one of the most well-preserved in all of Europe. Within the castle there is a five-sided, pentagon-like, town hall, called the Domus Municipalis. Other must-sees are the glorious XVIth century Santa Maria church and the Casa de Misericordia Chapel.

Towards the center of the region lies the town of Vila Real, known for its striking mix of architectural styles. For instance the Cathedral and São Brás Chapel are excellent examples of Gothic styles, while the New Chapel and Clergies Church are Baroque. No visit to Vila Real is complete without a tour of the Baroque Mateus Palace with its grand reflecting pool and unique architectural style. The heiress still lives here so be on the lookout for royalty! Also make sure to purchase some of their famous Mateus Rosé wine and delicious jams.

To the west of Vila Real are the spa towns of Chaves, Vidago and Pedras Salgadas. Every year people come from all over the world to relax in these natural hot springs.

Not far from the springs is the Serra da Estrela Mountain range, which is a vast nature preserve with a very rocky landscape as well as a resort for practicing winter sports. In the midst of this mountain range and 3,000 ft. (914 m.) above sea level, lies the town of Guarda, which has some of the most incredible churches built out of granite blocks. For example there is a church that has dozens of beautifully carved gargoyles on the outside and on the inside a huge natural stone, typical to the region, in which the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary, have been carved. Absolutely magnificent!

The Montanhas region is the ideal place for hiking, canoeing or simply relaxing in a thermal hot spring. Thus, if you’re looking for an unspoiled, remote and intimate place for a Wedding Reception, look no further, the Montanhas region is it.

Regional Gastronomy:

"Alheiras" (sausages consisting of veal meat and bread), "Morcelas" (blood sausages),  "Feijoada à transmontana" (a thick bean stew), roasted kid,  eel and trout, soft sheep cheese from the Serra da Estrela, "Tortas" desserts, "Dão" wines.

Regional Handicrafts:

Ceramics and black pottery, copper utensils,eEmbroideries and lace, silk bedspreads,wrought-iron works.