Longer days invite the desire to get out of the house, explore and enjoy unforgettable moments outdoors. Particularly for those who live in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, it’s normal to feel the need for absolute disconnection, looking for refuges that offer direct contact with nature. In this context, how about setting off to (re)discover Senhora do Salto?
Less than 30 minutes by car from Porto, you’ll find the perfect place to feel the coolness that hot days lack, meditate to the sound of running water and much more. The Senhora do Salto Park, in Aguiar de Sousa, in the municipality of Paredes (part of the Porto Metropolitan Area), is a destination that promises to please those who appreciate quietness, but also sportspeople, lovers and families.
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Senhora do Salto: what will you find?
Senhora do Salto Park is synonymous with peculiar beauty, as it is nestled between high mountains crossed by the River Sousa. It is a place that stands out not only for the charm of its landscape, but also for its geological characteristics. In fact, this setting was conducive to the creation of the so-called “Boca do Inferno”.
Surrounded by tranquillity, freshness and even mysticism, this place also attracts the attention of mountain sports fans. For example, the following sports can be practiced in these parts:
- Rappelling
- Climbing
- MOUNTAIN BIKING
- Hiking, among others.
In addition to its natural charms, the Senhora do Salto Park has facilities (i.e. tables and chairs) that are ideal for a family picnic, a small chapel and the Café Santos, a restaurant that tends to fill up at weekends and during the summer. So, if this is your only option for a snack in the vicinity, be prepared to wait in line.
Flora and fauna highlights
This area is part of the Natura 2000 network, so its flora and fauna are protected. Here you can see alder, ash, laurel and alvarinho oak, among other trees.
In terms of fauna, the Lusitanian salamander, bordalo, water lizard and some birds, such as the rock swallows and the peregrine falcon, are worth mentioning.
The Legend of Senhora do Salto
As this is a place of rare beauty, it’s not surprising that it is associated with a number of myths and legends. There is one in particular that tells the story of Senhora do Salto and the origin of the chapel that was built here.
But what is it? If you go there, you’ll have the opportunity to observe a flat rock with five pits… and this is where it all begins. After all, it is said that it was on this rock that a knight fell safe and sound with his horse.
The knight was allegedly being chased by a demonic figure, a scenario that culminated in an inadvertent fall. However, the rider asked Our Lady for protection and everything turned out for the best.
As a sign of gratitude for the miracle he had experienced, it is said that the knight had the small chapel of Nossa Senhora do Salto built, which is still there today and attracts visits and pilgrimages. Whether it’s true or not, we know one thing for sure: it’ s worth the ride!