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Ponte de Lima is a market town on the south bank of the Lima River facing a magnificent Roman bridge with low arches. Its setting, together with a laid-back atmosphere makes it one of the loveliest small towns in Portugal.

The old bridge crosses the Rio Lima here, connecting Ponte de Lima with Arcozelo on the other side.

Ponte de Lima was founded on the site of a Celtic settlement and developed by the Romans, who believed the Lima was the Lethe, the mythical River of Oblivion (visitors who crossed it would forget everything and stay forever).

According to the legend, when the Romans reached this point on their march through Iberia they had a great deal of trouble leaving because the soldiers were convinced the Rio Lima was the River Lethe and that if they crossed it they would forget everything

It was only after their leader, Decimus Junius Brutus, plunged ahead and shouted back their legionaries' names that they braved the waters.

The Roman bridge after which Ponte de Lima is named supposedly marks the very spot, and is part of the Roman road from Braga, Portugal to Astorga, Spain. It is just one of several well-preserved historical features which give the town its character.

Across the river is the 15th century Saint Anthony Convent with an interesting Manueline portal, and adjacent to it stands the 18th century São Francisco Church housing a museum of sacred art.

The 3-arched segment on the north-bank dates from the Roman times.The 31-arched bridge across the Lima dates from the 14th century and was restored the following century.The bridge is off limits to motor traffic, but watch out for horse riders who often gallop across the bridge at dusk, instantly plunging the scene back into medieval days

One of the oldest towns in Portugal (founded on the 4th March 1125), it was historically significant as a Roman settlement in the road from Braga to Santiago de Compostela and Lugo, and the first place in Portugal getting a municipal charter.It is full of history and was on the military road from Braga to Tui. It belonged to the diocese of Tui (Spain) until the time of King Afonso Henriques - First King of Portugal.

The Pillory

Afonso I, also called Afonso Henriques, byname Afonso the Conqueror, Portuguese Afonso o Conquistador (1109 - 1185), was the first king of Portugal (1139–85), who conquered Santarém and Lisbon from the Muslims (1147) and secured Portuguese independence from Leon (1139)

Queen Teresa gave it its first charter in 1125 and established a fair to encourage population and economic growth. Later in the 14th century, King Pedro I fortified the town. During King Fernando”s reign it was the most secure defensive position of the North of Portugal.

Palacio dos Marqueses, a 15th-century fortress-palace now functioning as the Town Hall.

It is a stately and legendary town. In the Middle Ages it was a fortified town with walls 600 meters long, 10 towers, 2 turrets and 6 entrances.

The old roads have houses of granite, Baroque, neo-classical and 1800s façades and renowned religious buildings.

"Torre da Cadeia" (Old Prison Tower)

In last century it hosted the town's rich archives for many years. After its recent restoration, nowadays it serves as art gallery.

"Torre da Cadeia" (Old Prison Tower) is a 14th century crenellated tower that faces the river just below the medieval bridge. It was once part of the town's walled fortifications and later used as a prison.

In 1995 Ponte da Lima won the European Grand Prize of Tourism and Environment.

Largo de Camões, with cafés, restaurants and a 16th century fountain

In the main square, Largo de Camões, is an 16th century fountain and several pleasant cafes with outside tables.

The old streets in the center are lined with elegant buildings and are a delight to wander in, particularly on market days, every other Monday.

8th century statue of a local woman carrying a water jar Biblioteca Municipal

Banco Espirito Santo

Text: InternetPictures: Sanda Foişoreanu Gabriela Cristescu Internet Copyrights of the photos belong to each photographer

Presentation: Sanda Foişoreanuwww.slideshare.net/michaelasanda

Sound: Amália Rodrigues - Eu Queria Cantar-te Um Fado; Medo