Ponte de Lima

About

It’s said when the Romans reached the Limia River, they thought it was so beautiful, it could only be the legendary River Lethe, which would erase the memories of anyone who crossed it. The Roman general Decimus Junius Brutus had to cross the river himself and call out each of his men by name before they would cross. Today, Portugal’s oldest village is also one of its most scenic. Positioned in the heart of Portugal’s wine country, the town has grown to encompass both banks of the river, connected by the original Roman bridge, where statues of Roman legionnaires stand, waiting to be called. Roaming the streets, visitors are treated to ancient architecture, such as the Romanesque Igreja Matriz de Ponte de Lima, as well as scenic azulejo murals.