Lufrei: Church, Roman Road and Hiking Trail

Lufrei combines a long history of settlement with religious heritage, local festivals and paths through the countryside. If you would like to combine culture and outdoor activities on your trip, you will find several different points of interest here: historical traces from Roman times, the Igreja do Salvador de Lufrei along the Caminhos de Santiago and the 6 km Rota do Marancinho hiking trail.

Cultural History from Prehistory to Roman Times

Human settlement in Lufrei dates back to the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods. During Roman times, a Roman settlement was located here near the former Via do Marão, possibly a villa or a vicus. Even today, history can be traced at several locations. Some sections of the Roman road that crossed Lufrei and led from Tongobriga, today’s Freixo in the municipality of Marco de Canaveses, to Panoias near Vila Real, are still preserved. The Gatiães necropolis is also part of Lufrei’s archaeological heritage.

A particular focal point is the Igreja do Salvador de Lufrei. It is located along the Caminhos de Santiago and has been part of the Rota do Românico since 2010. It is believed to have been founded in the 12th century, at the time when the Benedictine monastery of Salvador de Lufrei was established. The church is therefore a destination for anyone interested in medieval religious history and the region’s religious character. From Amarante you can reach the Igreja do Salvador de Lufrei via the N15 road towards Mesão Frio/Régua; then follow the signs to the church.

Hiking Trails and Historic Routes

The Rota do Marancinho PR1 passes through Lufrei and runs for much of its length along the stream of the same name. The trail also includes a section of an old Roman road. At 6 km long, it provides a clear framework for a hike that brings together landscape and history. If, when planning your day, you prefer to choose a route with a historical connection, you can therefore experience the PR1 differently from a simple walk without a cultural focus.

Another route is the old path to Capela da Quinta. It is intended exclusively for pedestrians and connects the street of the same name with Rua de Frariz. On the Caminho da Capela da Quinta, barriers prevent motorized traffic. For your planning, it is therefore important to regard this section as a footpath. The Capela do Divino Salvador is considered an important example of Lufrei’s religious heritage. At the steepest section of the footpath leading there, there is a handrail and a resting area with two stone benches.

Festivals and Local Traditions

Lufrei’s vibrant culture includes the de Bombos Amigos da Borga group. It is the only traditional drumming group of its kind in the Freguesia of Lufrei and regularly performs at the June festivities in Amarante. Another important date is the Divino Salvador festival, which takes place on the first Sunday in August. If you would like to plan your trip around regional traditions, these events can determine the cultural focus of your stay. You should include the specific festival dates in your planning before your trip.

The Right Accommodation for Your Trip Planning

When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Lufrei, it is worth deciding on your preferred mix of activities first. Those who want to focus on historical sites and religious heritage can use the Igreja do Salvador, the Capela do Divino Salvador and the Roman remains as points of reference for planning their days. If, on the other hand, you would like to combine culture with outdoor activities, the Rota do Marancinho and the footpath to Capela da Quinta are among the obvious themes for your trip. This allows you to choose accommodation not only based on the place name, but on the experiences you are actually looking for in Lufrei.

For other destinations in the same selection, you can also extend your search to Freixo De Cima, Fregim, Ataíde, Padronelo, Candemil, Mancelos and Vila Meã.

Back to the main travel overview: Amarante.