The best road cycling routes around Vinhais

With the administrative reform of 1853, Macedo de Cavaleiros became one of the municipalities of Portugal. This elevation to the status of municipality was met with opposition, both in rural areas, where the struggles between those in favour of the old and the new municipality lasted until 1911, and in parliamentary circles, triggered mainly by the deputy for the Moncorvo constituency, João Pedro de Almeida Pessanha. Even so, the municipality was confirmed by royal decree on 24 October 1855. On 15 January 1863, Macedo de Cavaleiros was elevated to the status of town. In 1903, the railway was built, establishing the Tua line, which naturally gave a strong economic boost to the region. Finally, on 13 May 1999, Macedo de Cavaleiros was elevated to the status of city.

It is not known when the castle was built or which monarch ordered it, however some authors argue that it was King D. Dinis, since there are references to works in Praça de Vinhais with the construction of some towers during his reign. Due to its border location, the castle had great military importance, as the territory had always been coveted by neighboring monarchs.

The walls of Vinhais date back to the time of the Roman invasion. Later, the Suebi or Visigoths reinforced and broadened the defensive line in the context of the Muslim invasion of the Iberian Peninsula. During the reign of King Denis of Portugal, the oval fence of the village was finished, with six towers, two of them flanking the main gate and one other, also integrated in the fence, functioning as a keep and an alcove. The castle's configuration, currently very dilapidated, would have a medieval image, in a late Gothic style. Already during the reign of King Manuel I of Portugal the degradation of the walls and of some towers was remarkable. Some bases of the old towers, a portal with a Gothic arch and a section of the barbican still remain.

The military road built by the Romans to connect Braga, Chaves and Astorga passed close to the present-day site of Vinhais and the Ponte da Rauca bridge also dates from that time. The town was founded in the thirteenth century by the Portuguese king D. Sancho, being situated on top of a hill that the Romans had used as a lookout post, from which they could supervise the whole region. It was later fortified in the fourteenth century at the orders of D. Dinis. Vinhais has succeeded in preserving a number of very interesting monuments, such as the church of São Facundo (founded by the Goths) and the convent of São Francisco, although, perhaps more than anything else, it is famed for the great richness of its cuisine, particularly its sausages, which are best purchased at the annual Smoked Meat Fair held here in February.

He believes that it is in the same town of Torre de Dona Chama and that it represents one of the town's most important architectural elements.

Impressive cobbled old town with a beautiful main street where you have to take your bike firmly and firmly!

Well-known city in this area of Portugal thanks to the nearby Albufeira do Azibo, a humid area that offers beach areas and roads with good views.

From this point on the road you can see the views of the Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Saúde and, in addition, some of the shelters (road control points) at the foot of the road.