Marco de Canaveses

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The municipality of Marco de Canaveses is located in the northwest of Portugal and is part of Douro Litoral. It is bordered by two of the most important Portuguese rivers: Douro and Tâmega. The region has important prehistoric remains on serra da Aboboreira and Roman remains in Tongóbriga: a Roman city from which were left the baths, the forum, residential areas and a necropolis. Strolling on the streets of the city, you will discover the Church of Santa Maria, the pillory and the Torre de Vinhal, as well as the Carmen Miranda Museum (dedicated to the famous Brazilian singer and actress, who was born in Marco de Canaveses). From the municipalitys' monuments stand out the Convento de Alpendurada, Igreja de São Nicolau, Capela de São Lázaro, Cruz do Senhor da Boa Passagem and the Cruz and Prado houses. Meet the Parque fluvial do Tâmega (Tâmega River Park) and the river beach of Pontinha and, if you are a water sports lover, be aware that you can practice sailing, windsurfing and canoeing in the Carrapatelo and Torrão reservoirs, inserted in a breathtaking landscape with the slopes of the Douro dotted by towering stately manors, characteristic of the region. In the typical gastronomy are included the lampreia (lamprey), the cabrito assado com arroz de forno (roast lamb with rice cooked in the oven), the pão-de-ló (kind of sponge cake) and the cavacas (cupcake style pastry with an egg white coating), as well as the famous vinho verde. The handicrafts of the region include copper pieces, basketry, straw hats, lace and embroidery.