Lombadinha's Softness

Category: Archaeology > Ruins

District: Viana do Castelo > Arcos de Valdevez > Gondoriz > Branda da Lombadinha

Location

Branda da Lombadinha is serenely nestled within the landscape of the Arcos de Valdevez municipality, in the district of Viana do Castelo. Situated in the locality of Gondoriz, this branda enjoys an elevated position, characteristic of ancient mountain communities, offering a broad perspective of the surrounding environment. The site is immersed in a natural setting, where the quietude of the mountains and the vastness of the horizon combine to create an atmosphere of profound tranquility.

Remnants of a Pastoral Past

This place represents the remnants of an ancestral way of life, deeply connected to pastoralism and transhumance. Brandas were seasonal settlements, built at higher altitudes, where communities took refuge during the warmer months to graze their livestock in the fresh mountain pastures. Branda da Lombadinha, today in ruins, is a silent testimony to this millennia-old practice, revealing the ingenuity and resilience of mountain populations in their adaptation to the cycles of nature.

Architecture and Adaptation to the Landscape

The architecture present in Branda da Lombadinha is a reflection of its function and context. The visible ruins are the remains of simple stone constructions, built with materials available on site. These elementary structures, often single-roomed, served as shelter for shepherds and their animals, demonstrating a remarkable adaptation to the uneven terrain and mountain climatic conditions. Their functional simplicity highlights the intrinsic link between man and nature in this rugged environment.

Natural Setting and Scenic Value

Beyond its historical and ethnographic value, Branda da Lombadinha stands out for its natural setting. Integrated into a landscape of great wild beauty, the surroundings offer panoramas that invite contemplation. The pure mountain air, the sounds of nature, and the vastness of the territory convey a sense of isolation and peace, allowing the visitor a deep immersion into the authenticity of the Minho mountains.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt