Amarante straddles the Tamega River in Northern Portugal. The pretty town has a main commercial street lined with shops and restaurants with balconies over the river.

The town’s historic center is filled with narrow cobblestone streets and 17^th century homes and mansions.

São Gonçalo Church

This church is dedicated to Saint Gonçalo of Amarante. It has an ornate baroque exterior. Inside is a nice pipe organ and tombs.

Ponte de São Gonçalo

The bridge spans the Tamega River and is a symbol of the town’s defense against the French in 1809.

Dining

After our very abbreviated exploration, we picked up a fast, tasty lunch at a tiny, five-table café, Adeigo Kilowat. Although the menu was extremely limited, we enjoyed our local ham and cheese on a bun and a plate of local Salpicoa sausage.