Santa Marta da Montanha

In the Trás-os-Montes interior, within the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar, Santa Marta da Montanha preserves an ancient tradition of devotion associated with its patron saint. The place, set on high ground near the Alvão mountains, owes its name to the figure of Saint Martha, whose worship has continued for centuries in this region.

The sanctuary and church dedicated to the saint form the centre of local religious life and are the setting for festivals and pilgrimages that bring together, above all in summer, people from the neighbouring villages and visitors. These celebrations keep alive the traditions, cuisine and folk music of Trás-os-Montes.

The mountain surroundings, with pure air and sweeping landscapes, make this an appealing destination for anyone seeking to combine religious heritage with nature, even though it lies a little further from the walkways than the other attractions.

Visiting tips

• Check the dates of the pilgrimage locally, usually in summer
• Enjoy the mountain landscape and the pure air of the Alvão highlands
• Respect the religious character of the sanctuary during celebrations
• Combine it with a taste of the region's Trás-os-Montes cuisine