Located just over two hours from the border with Spain and near the city of Braga, this Portuguese city has gained prominence as an alternative destination for weekend ‘escapelas’. Far from the mass tourism of big cities such as Lisbon and Porto, the place attracts those looking for tranquility, history and heritage outside the usual scripts.
We talk about the city of Fafe, which belongs to the county with the same name. With just over 15,000 inhabitants, this city in northern Portugal brings together a series of characteristics that make it appealing to those who want to explore the Minho region with time and curiosity.
Heritage marked by emigration
According to the 20 minutes portal, one of Fafe’s major brands is linked to emigration to Brazil in the nineteenth century. Many of those who crossed the Atlantic and made a fortune in the South American country returned years later to their homeland.
It was this return that gave rise to an unusual architectural heritage, where buildings are highlighted, such as the Fafe Gremio Palace, the so -called Brazilians and the House of Santo Velho.
According to the same source, these constructions are direct witness to the influence of Brazil on the urban landscape of the village, giving it its own identity and an architectural ensemble that is distinguished from neighboring localities.
Churches, chapels and memories of the past
The publication also states that among the places of worship with the most relevance stand out the New Church of St. Joseph, the Church of Our Lady of Fatima and the Chapel of St. John. These religious structures, distributed along the urban center, complement the patrimonial value of Fafe and help to draw their historical network.
In addition, the city is just 13 kilometers from Guimarães, the cradle of D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, which reinforces the symbolic importance of the region in the context of the foundation of Portuguese nationality.
A house out of the cartoons
It adds the publication that Fafe’s most peculiar attraction is located around the city center and is an “architectural treasure.” This is the so-called Casa do Penedo, a stone construction started in the 70s of the twentieth century, inspired by integration with the surrounding landscape. The structure resembles the famous house of the Flintstone family, from the American animation series, and has attracted the attention of curious and travelers.
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It refers to the same source that the property became one of the most photographed buildings in the region and in an informal symbol of the city, especially by social networks. Although it is not an old monument or a religious building, Casa do Penedo became a mandatory point on the route of Fafe.
Motors, speed and landscape
Fafe is also known among motorized sports enthusiasts. According to the newspaper, several emblematic stages of the Portugal Rally, integrated in the World Ralis Championship (WRC), take place in the county.
This tradition contributes to the notoriety of the city to a specific audience, which moves there to accompany the tests and know the famous classifications of the region.
This factor, coupled with the surrounding natural landscape, makes Fafe a destination with multiple layers of interest, from heritage built to the connection with international events.
Facilitated access to those coming from Spain
Explains the newspaper that, for those who come from Spain, the fastest route to Fafe involves the use of the A4 and A11 highways, already in Portuguese territory, and after A7, which leads directly to the city. This accessibility makes it a viable option for neighboring country visitors who look for authentic and poorly saturated experiences.
The combination of cultural heritage, singular elements and proximity to other historical centers consolidates Fafe as an alternative to the best known tourist routes.
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