Attractions and Places To See around Ordem - Top 11
Best attractions and places to see around Ordem include a variety of historical sites, natural landscapes, and outdoor activity areas. The region features significant religious buildings, ancient castles, and expansive parks. Visitors can explore river boardwalks, thermal parks, and historical monuments. There are 11 notable attractions and places to see in the Ordem region.
Best attractions and places to see around Ordem
- The most popular attractions is Rio Vizela Boardwalks, a trail that offers a linear round-trip route of…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
Rio Vizela Boardwalks
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Vizela Castle
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Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro
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Vizela Thermal Park
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São Bento das Peras
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Tips from the Community
After hiking, be sure to stretch your feet into the warm threads!
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A beautiful paved hiking trail for the whole family. Also accessible with a stroller.
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Known as the lungs of Vizela, the Parque das Termas is an open invitation to practice outdoor sports. Its main attraction? An impressive concentration of monumental trees, unique in the country, which transform this space into a green haven like no other in Portugal.
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The Vizela River Walkways are a linear round-trip route approximately 11.4 km long (5.7 km each way) that allows you to walk along the banks of the Vizela River and Ribeira de Sá. This route is of low difficulty, taking approximately 3h01 to walk, and is suitable for family experiences and also adapted for people with reduced mobility, as there are very few steps along the entire route. Inaugurated on March 16, 2024, these new walkways begin next to the Roman Bridge, in the Maquias area, and continue under the D. Luís I Bridge, towards the Parque das Termas and the riverside promenade. At the confluence of the Ribeira de Sá with the Vizela River, the path heads south, along the bank of the stream, and enters the parish of Santa Eulália, one of the most interesting parts of the route. The walk ends at the incredible Rompecias Waterfall, also known as the Requeixos Waterfalls.
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Thoroughly impressive complex run by the Benedictine monks from 1041 to 1834, when all the religious orders in Portugal were dissolved. From the original Romanesque church only the front portal survives, the rest was reconstructed and expanded many times during the Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical periods. Perhaps the most surprising element is the incomplete cloister accessible by stepping through the door to the right of the church. https://www.rotadoromanico.com/en/Monuments/monastery-of-saint-mary-of-pombeiro/
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This hilltop sanctuary (410 m) may not be as old, nor as well-known as its venerable neighbours of Bom Jesus and Penha but it's well worth visiting for the magnificent views over the Vizela river valley. Of the two chapels, the smaller one has a longer history, stretching as far back as C14 but it was heavily restored in C19. The larger chapel was consecrated in 1971. The climb from Vizela town (São Bento/St. Benedict being its patron saint) is a little over 3 km long and averages 9,2%. The top is paved with concrete so it's okay even for more delicate road bikes.
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The imposing Gothic Revival structure overlooking the Vizela river and the Thermal Park on its opposite bank was commissioned in 1905 by a local politician, businessman and physician, dr Armindo Ribeiro de Faria to serve as the new town hall. But those plans fell through and instead it housed a private club, then a school and later even a wine warehouse. Abandoned and crumbling, in 2008 the Castle was bought by the local council or Câmara Municipal. Unfortunately its fortunes didn't exactly reverse because of the lack of funds. Worse still, in 2020 it was badly damaged by a fire. However there seems to be some hope on the horizon with a new plan of restoration adopted by the Câmara in March 2021.
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You have to climb to get there, but the visit to the Saint and the spectacular view are really worth it!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some family-friendly attractions in the Ordem region?
The Ordem region offers several family-friendly options. The Rio Vizela Boardwalks are a low-difficulty, linear route suitable for families and adapted for people with reduced mobility. The Vizela Thermal Park, known for its monumental trees, is also a great green space for outdoor activities with children. Additionally, the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro is listed as a family-friendly historical site.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible trails or attractions in Ordem?
Yes, the Rio Vizela Boardwalks are specifically adapted for people with reduced mobility, featuring very few steps along the entire route. This makes it an excellent option for wheelchair users to enjoy the scenic walk along the Vizela River.
What historical sites can I visit in the Ordem area?
The Ordem region is rich in history. You can explore the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro, a religious building showcasing Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architectural styles. Another significant historical site is Vizela Castle, an imposing Gothic Revival structure overlooking the Vizela river, though it has a complex history of use and restoration.
Where can I find natural parks or green spaces in Ordem?
The Vizela Thermal Park is a prominent natural feature, often called the 'lungs of Vizela' due to its impressive concentration of monumental trees. It's a fantastic green haven for outdoor sports and relaxation. The Rio Vizela Boardwalks also offer a pleasant experience along the river, connecting you with nature.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Ordem's attractions?
The Ordem region is great for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous routes for hiking, mountain biking (MTB), and running. For example, there are several hiking routes like the 'Rio Vizela Boardwalks loop from Vizela' and MTB trails such as the 'Senhor dos Aflitos Chapel – Romanesque Bridge of Vilela loop from Raimonda'. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for Hiking around Ordem, MTB Trails around Ordem, and Running Trails around Ordem.
Are there any viewpoints offering panoramic views in the Ordem area?
Yes, for spectacular views, consider visiting São Bento das Peras. This hilltop sanctuary, located at 410 meters, offers magnificent panoramic views over the Vizela river valley. While it requires a climb to get there, the vista is highly rewarding.
What is the best time to visit attractions in Ordem?
The Ordem region, being near Porto, generally enjoys a mild climate. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are often ideal, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring historical sites and enjoying outdoor activities like walking the Rio Vizela Boardwalks or visiting the Vizela Thermal Park.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the Rio Vizela Boardwalks?
Visitors appreciate the Rio Vizela Boardwalks for being a beautiful paved hiking trail suitable for the whole family, including those with strollers. The route's low difficulty and accessibility features make it enjoyable for a wide range of visitors, culminating at the scenic Rompecias Waterfall.
Can I find religious buildings with significant architecture in Ordem?
Absolutely. The Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro is an extraordinary example, showcasing a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical styles from its long history with Benedictine monks. Another notable religious site is São Bento das Peras, a hilltop sanctuary with historical significance and impressive views.
Are there any unique natural features to see in the Ordem region?
Beyond the lush Vizela Thermal Park with its monumental trees, the Rio Vizela Boardwalks lead to the Rompecias Waterfall, also known as the Requeixos Waterfalls, offering a beautiful natural endpoint to the river walk.
What is the difficulty level of hiking trails around Ordem?
Hiking trails around Ordem vary in difficulty. For instance, the 'Rio Vizela Boardwalks loop from Vizela' is rated as moderate, while the 'Water Fountain – Crédito Agrícola A. Lavradores loop from Paços de Ferreira' is an easy option. More challenging routes like the 'Romanesque Bridge of Vilela – Ponte de Espindo loop from Lousada' are also available. You can find detailed information on the Hiking around Ordem guide.
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