The CR1 - Romanesque Path is a circular trail in the municipality of Lousada, starting and ending at Dr. Mário Fonseca Urban Park. With around 20 km, it crosses several parishes in the municipality and links a wide range of places associated with the religious, civil and rural heritage of Lousada.
The route combines green scenery, rural paths, urban sections, granite-paved roads and areas close to the Sousa River and the Ponterrinha stream. Along the way, there are also leisure spaces and natural areas, such as Cernadelo Leisure Park and Torre de Vilar Park.
Heritage is one of the main elements of this path. Among churches, chapels, bridges, old houses, towers, sanctuaries and mills and milling heritage, the CR1 allows walkers to discover several historical features linked to the identity of the municipality and to the presence of Romanesque heritage in the Tâmega and Sousa territory.
Among the main highlights are the Church of Salvador de Aveleda, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Rosário, Ponte da Veiga, the Tower of Vilar, the Church of Vilar do Torno, Ponte de Vilela and the Church of Pias. The route also passes through places such as the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora Aparecida and the houses of Rio, Veiga and Torre.
Due to its length and diversity, the CR1 is an option for those looking for a long walk with a strong cultural and scenic component, offering a broad reading of the Lousada territory between the Sousa valley, rural areas and historical heritage.
Type: Marked Trail Loop
Distance: 20
Difficulty: Moderate (level 3)
GPS Coordinates: 41°16'35.4"N 8°16'32.2"W