Arouca Guided Tour

This guided tour of Arouca will take us to the most important churches of this town, exploring its history and connections with the monarchies of Spain and Portugal.

Description

At a time of your choice, we will meet at the entrance of the monastery of Arouca, the most significant church in this town. Prepare to learn about its history.

We will sample some sweets and enter the monastery, discovering rooms such as the cloister, kitchen, and museum of sacred art. During the tour, we will hear about its past, including the story of Mafalda of Portugal, who was instrumental in founding this monument in the 13th century and spent her last days there as a nun. Her failed marriage and subsequent beatification will be revealed.

The guided tour of Arouca will continue through the historic center to the Chapel of Mercy, built in 1612. Despite its modest size, this church features high-quality paintings and religious sculptures.

Following this, we will visit the Calvario de Arouca, a granite mountain with stone crosses. Here, we will discuss its history as a site for reflection and the popular procession of the Fogaréus that concludes on this hill.

Our tour of Arouca will conclude after 2.5 hours at the Calvary.