What to see in Mesão Frio

The next stop is Mesão Frio. This is one of the oldest municipalities in the Douro Demarcated Region.

The main sectors of economic activity in this municipality are Agriculture, Tourism and Wine.

o Viewpoints:

Anyone visiting Mesão Frio should not miss its Viewpoints.

We’ve reached the Douro Gate. Its history is intertwined with national history. But we can guarantee one thing: the Miradouro do Imaginário reaffirms the beauty of the Douro. Like an amphitheatre, the protagonists of this stage are the valleys, the vineyard terraces, decorated with the unforgettable blue of the Douro River.

Barqueiros Viewpoint:

Endowed with an unrivalled and incomparable beauty, this is the Barqueiros viewpoint. The landscape is breathtaking, with vineyards, farms and a natural spectacle offered to those who visit.

São Silvestre Viewpoint:

With the Douro River in the background, imagine yourself contemplating the sunrise from the São Silvestre Viewpoint. The view is extensive and you can see the municipality, the vineyards and their unique colours and characteristics.

Torre de Santa Cristina Viewpoint:

Once a bell tower of the old Church of Santa Cristina, it has now undergone renovations to become an urban viewpoint with free access. On the way up, you can admire the historic centre of Mesão Frio, the River Douro and the surrounding landscape.

Senhora da Piedade Viewpoint:

Simple, elegant and with modern lines. This is what you’ll find to enjoy and observe the privileged canvas. You can see the vineyards and their greenery, the Douro Valley and the majestic sunset.

Donsumil Viewpoint:

You’ll be amazed at what you see! The view is panoramic and stretches as far as the eye can see. Worthy of an art gallery, this viewpoint offers a unique experience in a setting that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

o Gastronomy

Mesão Frio is synonymous with good food. With dishes rich in flavour and nutrients, it is a land where spices reign supreme.

Kid, gilt-headed goat and wood-fired roasts are a delight in Mesão Frio cuisine. Meat in vinhos d’alhos, rojões, the famous tripas and the incomparable cozido à transmontana are must-tries.

Moving on to seafood dishes, cod has its different flavours: grilled and oven-roasted. Pastéis de bacalhau and fried or grilled trout are the delicacies of choice.

Soups are a must! There’s something for everyone, such as onion broth, porridge broth, turnip broth, the traditional green broth and chestnut soup.

For the sweet tooth, we come to the desserts. The popular custard, egg pudding and vermicelli are our suggestions. The Biscoitos de Vila Marim are a must, as are the local jams (chila, marmalade and/or pumpkin jam).

o Wineries and Wines

There are many wineries to visit and wines to taste. These include:

· White Wines;

· Red Wines;

· Douro DOC Wines;

· Table Wines;

· Douro Regional Wines;

· Port Wine.

o Handicrafts

Without access to large materials, the people took what nature provided to create handicrafts. These would serve different purposes, such as domestic and/or agricultural support.

Traditionally unique to Barqueiros, located in the municipality of Mesão Frio, the Castanhetas were initially created to warn neighbouring boats of their location on days of poor visibility (fog). Later, they were used as entertainment to keep people entertained between the boats transporting the Port wine barrels to Vila Nova de Gaia, where they were stored.

o Museums

To get to know the history and culture of this Municipality, we suggest you visit the following museums:

House-Museum of the writer Domingos Monteiro;

Rabelo Boat Interpretive Centre;

Tricycle Museum;

Cidadelhe Hillfort Interpretive Centre.

o Festivities and Pilgrimages:

From January to December there are always festivities in the municipality of Mesão Frio!

The most coveted festivals are the Feira do Petisco, Vinho e Produtos Regionais, the Feira Anual de Santo André, the Feira Semanal, the Festa da Juventude, the Festa do Emigrante and the Rali Município de Mesão Frio.

You won’t want to miss it!

o Heritage Route

This town has an abundance of architectural heritage. Between manor houses and houses with coats of arms, churches and chapels, fountains, sculptures, niches, hermitages and works of art, there’s plenty to visit!

Chapel of Saint Anthony;

Largo da Independência Fountain;

Largo do Cruzeiro Fountain;

Franciscan Cloister;

Cruzeiro;

Church of Santa Cristina;

Church of Saint Nicholas;

Pillory / Vale do Couto House;