Ponte de Lima

Ponte de Lima(European Portuguese pronunciation:[ˈpõtɨðɨˈlimɐ]) is the oldestvila(chartered town, head of amunicipality) inPortugal, in the district ofViana do Castelo. Situated on the southern bank of theLima River, it takes its name from the medieval bridge (ponte) that crosses the waterway.In 2021, the municipality had a population of 41,164within an area of 320.25 square kilometres (123.65 sq mi).The town itself has approximately 2,800 inhabitants.
The current mayor is Vasco Ferraz, elected by thePeople's Party (CDS–PP).As of 2024, Ponte de Lima is one of the six municipalities in Portugal administered by this party.The municipal holiday is celebrated on the Tuesday following theFeiras Novas(New Fairs), a festivity held annually during the second weekend of September.
The area of Ponte de Lima has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence of settlements dating back over 3,000 years. During theIron Age, numerouscastros(hillforts) were established across the modern municipality, with larger examples located at Monte das Santas (now Santa Maria Madalena) near the town center and Monte de Santo Ovídio on the opposite bank of the Lima River.
During the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, Ponte de Lima gained prominence due to its location along the Via XIX of the Antonine Itinerary, connectingBragatoSantiago de Compostela,LugoandAstorga. This road, which traversed the region from south to north, was later used during the medieval period and partially coincided with theCamino de Santiagopilgrimage route. Roman infrastructure in the area included a stone bridge over the Lima River, along with two additional bridges in nearby parishes.
Ponte de Lima received its firstforal(charter) on March 4, 1125, granted byTheresa, Countess of Portugaland her son,Afonso Henriques. The charter defined the territory, smaller than today's municipality, and provided protection for market participants. It also contains the earliest documented reference to a market in the area. This charter was confirmed by KingAfonso IIin 1217 and later revised by KingManuel Iin 1511.
The Middle Ages marked a period of military significance for Ponte de Lima. Defensive structures, including walls, towers, and the bridge over the Lima River, were constructed. An inscription on the foundation of the Torre de Santo António in 1359 records the beginning of these fortifications under King Pedro I. By 1370, the town’s walls were completed. During the1383–1385 interregnum, Ponte de Lima supported KingJohn I of Portugal, overcoming local opposition from Lopo Gomes de Lira, who sided withCastile.
In the 15th century, the town transitioned from royal to noble governance.Leonel de Lima, was granted the hereditary title ofAlcaide-Mor(chief magistrate) in recognition of his family's support for King John I. His contributions included the construction of the Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos and renovations to the Paço do Marquês. However, his tenure was controversial, with complaints about his conduct and that of his descendants. He was rumored to protect wrongdoers and was accused of unjustly imprisoning and mistreating people in the castle’s prison.
In the 16th century, King Manuel I ordered improvements to the town’s infrastructure, including paving the bridge, addingmerlons, and establishing the town jail in one of the defensive towers. This period also saw the founding of theMisericórdiaof Ponte de Lima, which provided social assistance, operating a hospital in the town square and managing the former leprosy hospital outside the walls, now the site of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Guia.
Urban development continued in the 17th century with the construction of notable structures such as the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França, designed for prisoners to attend mass, and the Hospital of São João de Deus, built for soldiers injured during thePortuguese Restoration War. The Chafariz Nobre, a fountain for potable water, was also completed and later relocated to Largo de Camões in the 20th century.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the town’s medieval walls and towers fell into disuse and were dismantled, with the stone repurposed for new constructions. This period saw the emergence of Baroque manor houses, reflecting the liberal ideals of the era. Cultural institutions such as theDiogo Bernardes Theaterand the Limarense Society, inaugurated in 1868, were established, enriching the town’s cultural life.
The administrative reforms of 1836 expanded the municipality's territory, but the local economy remained rooted in agriculture until well into the 20th century.
Ponte de Lima has a Mediterranean Climate
Administratively, the municipality is divided into 39 civil parishes (freguesias):
The Feiras Novas (New Fairs) are the municipal festivities of Ponte de Lima, established on May 5, 1826, by KingPeter IV of Portugal, who authorized three days of annual fairs in honor of Nossa Senhora das Dores (Our Lady of Sorrows). Held during the second weekend of September, the event has grown steadily over time, attracting thousands of visitors annually. The Feiras Novas have contributed to preserving local heritage and have become a cornerstone of the town's identity.
Every second Monday, Ponte de Lima holds one of the largest country markets in Portugal.
Today, Ponte de Lima is a significant stop on the Central Portuguese branch of theCamino de Santiagopilgrimage route.
The attractive rural area surrounding the town has the largest concentration of baroque manors in Portugal (Aurora, Bertiandos, Brandara, Calheiros, and Pomarchão are among the best known); Some provide tourism accommodation. Ponte de Lima is also known in the region and all across Portugal for its redVinho Verdewines and itssarrabulhorice.