Touguinha: Local History and Archaeological Traces

Church and archaeological traces

The parish church of Touguinha stands on elevated ground in the centre of the parish. Roman roof tiles were found on the small hill where it stands. This brings together a specific topographical location and an archaeological link to Roman times. If you are considering Touguinha as a destination, the church offers a tangible connection to the area's history.

At the beginning of the 20th century, two vessels with wide horizontal rims were found while a road to the church was being built. They point to a Bronze Age necropolis in Touguinha. The roof tiles and the vessels thus represent different historical periods; the necropolis is an interpretation of the vessel finds.

Written records and ecclesiastical history

The parish of Touguinha is recorded in the 11th-century Censual under the title “De Sancta Maria de Tauguina” of the Terra de Faria. Nossa Senhora da Esperança de Touguinha is mentioned in the oldest known document, dating from 1238. Also in 1238, King D. Sancho granted the churches of Ponte de Lima and Touguinha to the Archbishop of Braga. The year 1238 therefore has two distinct associations: the mention of Nossa Senhora da Esperança de Touguinha and the grant of two churches.

The earlier ecclesiastical structure extended beyond the parish church. An old brotherhood of clergy once existed in the church of Touguinha. The parish also formerly included two chapels: Santa Cristina in the locality of Pena and another in the locality of Capela. The brotherhood in the church and the chapels in two different localities were distinct ecclesiastical points of reference.

The history of the area spans the Bronze Age interpretation of the vessels, the Roman roof tiles, and written references from the 11th century and 1238. Archaeological finds and written records provide different kinds of evidence about Touguinha's past.

Pena and its historical points of reference

Augusto Soromenho was born in the locality of Pena. Near the border with the Freguesia de Touguinhó, two manor houses stand on a prominent hill that rises distinctly above the surrounding area. The location descriptions distinguish between the parish church in the centre and the manor houses near the border.

Festivals and getting around locally

Santo António do Monte is a festival and pilgrimage celebrated in Touguinha in June. If you would like to plan your trip around this occasion, check the dates in advance.

For getting around by bus, the Igreja de Touguinha stop is a useful point of reference. Route 3516 between Parada and Vila do Conde (Escolas), via Lamelas, is listed at this stop. It is described as one of the bus stops closest to the Freguesia de Touguinha; the walk takes two minutes. Check the latest timetable details before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Labruge, Mosteiró, Vilar, Vila do Conde, Guilhabreu, Junqueira, Macieira da Maia, Vila Chã

Go to the main travel overview: Vila Do Conde.