Discover Ucanha on the Varosa

On the Varosa, Ucanha brings together a fortified structure, a green riverside landscape and several historical points of interest. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Ucanha, you can take the village’s different attractions into account when planning: Gothic secular architecture, other village sights and walks by the river. Ucanha is one of the six Douro Wine Villages. If you would like to combine historic architecture with nature by the water on one trip, the bridge ensemble, riverside area and recommended walks offer different starting points.

Bridge, tower and village history

The Ponte e Torre Fortificada de Ucanha, an ensemble of bridge and tower, is a rare example of Gothic secular architecture in Portugal. In 1465, D. Fernando, the abbot of Salzedas, funded the construction of the fortified bridge. “Secular” refers to non-religious architecture, distinguishing the bridge ensemble architecturally from the Igreja Matriz. The Pelourinho dates from the 17th century. The Igreja Matriz is also one of the village’s highlighted sights. The bridge funding in 1465 and the 17th-century Pelourinho provide two specific historical markers; the church adds another highlighted structure.

The Varosa and its riverside landscape

Ucanha lies on the banks of the Varosa and along one of the main Roman roads towards Lamego. The Zona Ribeirinha de Ucanha is very close to the Ponte e Torre Fortificada and is set in a green riverside landscape. The riverbank and the road offer different points of orientation: the Varosa shapes the riverside area, while the Roman road leads towards Lamego. Facilities in the Zona Ribeirinha invite visitors to relax amid the natural riverside landscape. The Zona Ribeirinha is characterised by clear water; the Varosa’s well-known trout can be seen among the stones polished by the current. The Varosa Waterfall is also recommended as a natural attraction in connection with Ucanha. The combination of recreational facilities and riverside scenery makes the Zona Ribeirinha a distinct focus, with the water and riverbank landscape taking centre stage.

Walks and the Caminho de Torres

Walks are recommended as an activity for visitors to Ucanha. The Ucanha section of the Caminho de Torres descends along an old path lined with high stone walls and extensive apple orchards. In Ucanha, the Caminho de Torres crosses the Varosa via a medieval bridge with a toll tower. This tower was associated with collecting duties on goods entering the territory of the monastery of Salzedas. The general recommendation to go for walks and the Caminho section serve different purposes: the recommendation names the activity, while the route describes a specific downhill stretch with distinctive landscape features. For orientation, the Roman road and the Caminho offer different information: the road points in a direction, while the Caminho describes a route with a river crossing and a descent.

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