The restoration of this Pousada has won many prestigious awards and was under the direction of the famous modern day architect Eduardo Souto Moura.

It is situated between the historic town of Braga and Peneda Geres National Park and is an ideal base for exploring the beautiful Minho area of Portugal.

This idyllic setting, surrounded by lush fields and vineyards where the famous Vinho Verde wine is produced, together with the beautiful architecture of the Pousada ensures a peaceful and utterly relaxing stay.

Approximately 15 kilometres away is the ancient town of Braga, the religious capital of Portugal, with many fine churches, the most important of which is the Se (Cathedral), originally built in the 11th Century on the site of a Moorish mosque.

The Se has been added to through the centuries and contains a wealth of architectural gems.

The museum houses a collection of religious treasures from the 11th Century onwards.

In the Capela dos Reis the naturally mummified body of Archbishop Lourenco can be viewed.

Three kilometres to the north of Braga is the Capela de Sao Frutuoso, one of the oldest churches in the country, dating from the 7th Century, and four kilometres to the east is the church Bom Jesus do Monte.

Surrounded by beautiful gardens this church is reached by a stunning baroque staircase, of over 1000 steps, or by funicular for the fainthearted!

To experience, probably the most beautiful countryside in Portugal, a visit to Portugal's only National Park (Peneda Geres) is a must.

It has been described as "this green terraced paradise with a back drop of austere granite mountains is a haven to many endangered species of flora and fauna". It also contains sites of many ancient settlements from prehistoric and celtic civilisations".

The town of Amares is about 18 kilometres away.

Pousada de Amares has 2 deluxe and 30 standard bedrooms, some inter-connecting, all with en-suite bathroom, air conditioning, Cable television, mini-bar, hair dryer, locker, bathing gowns and phone. It is air conditioned and facilities include restaurant, bar, terrace, lift, swimming pool, snooker and family games, parking and conference facilites.

The restaurants of the Pousada group hotels offer a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.

Activities available in this area include bird watching (ornithology), hunting, river fishing, horse riding, bicycle tours, 4 wheel driving, water sports, shooting range, paintball etc.

The international airport at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 68 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.