Provesende: Uma Aldeia do Douro Vinhateiro

Provesende, located on the north bank of the Douro River, is one of the best known villages of the Douro Wine Region. Its fame is due, among other factors, to its privileged location on the Douro, the vineyards and the large manor houses and houses emblazoned on every corner of the village.

Despite being a small village, which can be known in about an hour, Provesende has embraced very well its more touristic side, and there are some indicative maps of places to visit scattered around the village.

A major element that stands out is the old fountain. This consists of a grandiose fountain in the Baroque style, built in the 18th century. It takes the form of a tall rectangle in which are placed two spouts that release water into a tank. For us, the most curious thing about this fountain is undoubtedly its location: already inside the village and facing the Pinhão River (a tributary of the Douro River).

Although discreet, it is also worth noting the Main Church of ProvesendeIt dates from 1720. With a simple exterior, its interior dazzles with the use of gilded woodcarving and other Baroque elements, creating an imposing altar.

Walking further into the village, in front of the parish council, we find the famous Provesende PilloryIt is a symbol of municipal freedom and, in this way, the antiquity of the village.

Besides these elements of great historical importance, Provesende also stands out for the exorbitant number of manor houses and coats of arms in such a small central nucleus - a symbol of the importance and power of the vineyard for the region. To get to know the houses that we will talk about next, we recommend that you walk through the different streets and look for the coats of arms.

Regarding the identification of each one, you will find a map in the center of the village, next to the parish church, where these houses are properly identified by name. In total, there are eleven houses and manors emblazoned with coats of arms.

Provesende stands out from the surrounding villages and towns for the number of houses with coats of arms: eleven in total

Among the emblazoned houses are the Beleza HouseIt is the white building that is so often seen in pictures of this village. Considered a true palace, capable of competing among the best manor houses in the Douro. This house also became known due to one of its owners, Luís Beleza de Andrade, being the protagonist of the novel "A riot for a hundred years" by Arnaldo Gama.

Additionally, we highlight the Calçada House, a manor house known for a legend that says that for about two centuries there has been an embalmed child inside the chapel. This is also one of the oldest manor houses in the region.

Besides these with greater prominence, there is also the Santa Catarina House, the Bastardo House, the Campo House (in ruins), the Santo House (which will have belonged to Joaquim Pinheiro de Azevedo Leite Pereira, known for being the man who saved the Douro region from phylloxera), the Praça House (the oldest house in the village, dating back to 1460), the Terreiro House, the Vale House (which stands out for having the coat of arms on the side corner) and the Fundo de Vila House (also already in a state of degradation).

Despite being a beautiful village full of history, we felt that Provesende was a bit neglected. Several of the houses with coats of arms are in need of clear work, and the common areas (such as the public toilets and the soccer field) were in poor condition. That is not why we do not recommend this Douro village any more - it is a small village but with that very traditional feel, with breathtaking views.