Cavez

A bridge over the Tâmega, a pilgrimage and many stories to take with you. The medieval bridge of Cavez is National Monument; Saint Bartholomew connects the chapel to the traditions of the sulfuous waters. Moimenta, the farms and the agricultural landscape open other paths of discovery by the parish.

Two bridges and a valley to discover

The medieval bridge of Cavez tells a story of links between banks and territories. Around it, the valley of the Tâmega gathers farms, manor houses and places such as Moimenta, Arosa, Rabiçais and Vila Franca. There is another crossing to know: the bridge of Moimenta, distinct from the bridge of Cavez.

The bridge between history and legend

The tradition attributes the construction of the bridge to Frei Lourenço Mendes and associates it with a narrative about the completion of the work and the death of the builder. The report is part of the local memory; it is not used as a documentary biography. The pilgrimage of São Bartolomeu relates the chapel, the bridge and the sulphur waters. Beliefs about these waters are described as tradition, without assigning them therapeutic efficacy.

The places described in 1758

The parish relationship of São João of Cavez lists eight places, including Ponte, Vila Franca, Arosa and Moimenta. It also records the existence of a hearing, judge and jail in the context of the local organization. The document helps to recognize the importance of the parish and the places in the life of the 18th century, without equating these institutions to the current competences of local authorities.

A bridge, different forms of memory

The municipal presentation describes the arches of unequal forms and the talhamares of the bridge of Cavez. Associates the pilgrimage of St. Bartholomew to the tale of Camilo Castelo Branco How she loved him. Reading the place can add architecture, literature and oral tradition, preserving the distinction between these sources. The bridge of Moimenta remains a different reference; its popular name is not enough to determine the date of construction.

Thursdays and collective expressions

The houses of Ponte, Souto and the Church and the distinct references to the Valley of Moimenta and the Vale de Arosa show the diversity of the housing heritage of the parish. The municipality also mentions ranches linked to São João Baptista, Arosa and the village of Cavez. These references document the presence of collective expressions in the local characterization, without confirming the current activities or activities of each group.