The Pousada

Between the city of Braga and the Gerês mountain range, stands Sta. Maria do Bouro Pousada, the result of the restoration of a former Cistercian Monastery, one of the most characteristic of that period in Portugal. In accordance with the monastic severity, but with a comfortable and modern decoration, this Pousada is an absolute must to discover the cultural sites of Minho.

Amares:

It is worth exploring the tiny and picturesque villages with their typical granaries, handicrafts and ancient traditions, admiring the views from the mountainous zone of Abadia or discovering the fluvial beaches and bucolic landscape of the valleys of the rivers Cá;vado and Homem.

In terms of architectural patrimony, the county offers the religious triangle formed by the monasteries of Rendufe (founded in the 11th century, with a church displaying fine 18th-century woodwork), of Bouro (also belonging to the Benedictine order and being restored) and of Abadia, whose sanctuary, built in the 18th century, is surrounded by a dazzling scenery of dense vegetation and sheer cliffs. It is also the stage of a popular religious festival every year, on the 15th of August.

Another of the county’s architectural features are the medieval house-towers, namely the Castle Tower at Carrazedo and, although in ruins, the Tower and Honour of Vasconcelos at the parish of Ferreiros, and the Tower of Dornelas, integrated in a 17th-century manor-house.

Better known to visitors is the thermal spa of Caldelas, whose waters of therapeutic value were already used by the Romans. The resort, located near the River Alvito, is still quite popular and offers, besides modern thermal equipment and facilities, a restful scenery surrounded by mountains which provide pleasant walks.

The county of Amares is proud of its traditional gastronomy, characterized by the home-made flavours of the Minho region and including typical dishes such as rojões (pork spiced with wine and cumin), cozido à portuguesa (a variety of meat, sausages and vegetables), roast veal or "cod in the Abbey fashion". For dessert, besides typical cakes such as rabanadas (French toast) and formigos (made of eggs, bread and honey), it is worth tasting the county's renowned oranges. Amares also produces an excellent vinho verde (green wine) on the sunny slopes of the Cá;vado, much appreciated for its light and delicate aroma.

Rooms

The Pousada has 30 rooms and 2 luxurious twins.

The rooms have the following equipment:

• Air Conditioning
• Mini-bar
• Phone
• Cable TV
• Hairdryer
• Bathrobe
• Safe
• View surroundings.

Gastronomy

Specialty Restaurant Menu

• Clear chicken broth
• Roast codfish topped with corn bread
• Stewed chunks of pork loin
• Regional puddings

Weddings & Other Events

Refined ambience known for its superior quality, offering the guests an unforgettable experience. Enjoy a stay in the Convent where you will have all the comfort of modernity.

• Meetings packages
• Floral decoration
• Audio and visual equipment
• Animation
• Hall-stand service
• Parking: 30 private places
• Buffet and coffee breaks services
• Rooms for private meetings

Activities

at the Pousada

• Swimming pool
• Meeting rooms
• Family games and snooker

outside the Pousada

• Water sports
• Shooting range
• Golf Course
• Paintball
• Boat trips
• Canoeing
• Bicycle tours
• Horse riding
• Gerês mountain range tracks
• Country walks
• Fishing (river)
• Hunting

Fairs and Markets:

• Holy Week (Braga) - Easter
• Abbey Pilgrimage - May
• Rag Fair (Vieira do Minho)
• Crucifix Festivity (Barcelos)

Location

The Pousada is situated in Amares in the heart of the Minho, circa 14 km from Braga and 64 km from Oporto.

Interesting Places:

• Peneda/Gerês Spa and National Park
• Caniçada and Vilarinho das Furnas Dams
• Braga Cathedral and Bom Jesus and Sameiro Sanctuaries
• St. Isabel do Monte typical village
• Our Lady of the Abbey Sanctuary
• Rendufe Monastery
• Roman Road

Nearest Pousadas:

• Vila Nova Cerveira 70 km
• Gerês 27 km
• Viana do Castelo 60 km

Rates

BEST RATES GUARANTEED Your reservation is guaranteed to have the best rate available on the Internet. If you find within 24 hours of booking a lower rate for our pousadas on another website for the same room type, dates, and payment requirements we will match this rate.
Prices in Euros per room, per night including breakfast	22/09/09 31/03/10		05/04/10 15/07/10		16/07/10 11/09/10 and Easter (1-4/04/10)		12/09/10 31/10/10
	Sun-Fri	Sat	Sun-Fri	Sat	Sun-Fri	Sat	Sun-Fri	Sat
	(*)Rates From		(*)Rates From		(*)Rates From		(*)Rates From
Double	130.00	160.00	150.00	180.00	220.00	220.00	150.00	180.00
*Rates vary according to the pousada availability, please double check rates when booking. Single occupancy 12.00€ discount Cancellations: First night will be charged if reservation is cancelled less than 48 hours prior to arrival date. No-Shows: Entire stay will be charged. Click here to see New Year Eve Package

Contact

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