Ponte de Lima, Administrative division in Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Ponte de Lima is a town in the Viana do Castelo region that sits along the Lima River, with a medieval bridge as its defining feature. This bridge has served for centuries as the main connection between the two riverbanks and remains central to the town's layout.
The town received its first charter from Queen Teresa in 1125, making it Portugal's oldest officially recognized municipality with recorded market privileges. This early recognition established it as an important trading center in the region.
The Feiras Novas festival brings music, dance, and local food traditions to the streets each September, honoring Nossa Senhora das Dores with celebrations that have continued for nearly 200 years. Visitors can see how residents share their cultural practices through these gatherings.
The central area is easy to explore on foot, with most shops and restaurants clustered around the bridge area. Arriving early in the morning allows you to walk through the town when it is quieter and more pleasant.
The region produces vinho verde, a young wine made from fresh grapes that has become a local specialty. The Interpretation and Promotion Centre offers visitors insight into how this distinctive wine is made and its role in the area's economy.
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