Popular tradition just a stone’s throw from Guimarães.

The village of S. Torcato is located 5 km from Guimarães, forming part of a predominantly rural parish. Rich in its cultural and natural heritage, it is a must-see for anyone visiting Guimarães.

Here you will find religious and rural traditions and customs, which are manifested through annual festivities and events and through internationally renowned Folklore Groups.
The work of linen has always played an important role in agricultural and manual work, as evidenced today by the clothing of the folklore groups, made locally.

Agriculture plays a fundamental role here, with farmers selling local products from the land at the weekly market, but also with younger farmers, dedicated to introducing new crops, according to the needs and quality that the market currently demands.

S. Torcato

The village of S. Torcato owes its name to the saint who was born in Toledo (Spain) VII. São Torcato was the bishop of Braga, Porto and Dume and the last bishop resident in Braga until it became an archiepiscopal seat in 1070, due to the Muslim invasion; his successors settled in Lugo, Galicia.

São Torcato has always been, throughout the year, the reason and place of constant visits and pilgrimages of thousands of people. The origin of these pilgrims is very diverse and they come from all continents, as demonstrated by the registry book of the Sanctuary, to which pilgrims can freely subscribe. São Torcato (Torcato Felix), Saint of the People, maintains its uniqueness, its religious fervour and is one of the great centres of religiosity in Portugal.

The Relics of Saint Torcato have always been coveted. A document from the 19th century tells us that on February 28, 1502 D. Manuel ordered the Saint to be collected in the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, but there was enormous popular opposition.

See the map of S. Torcato aqui!