The Legends of Amarante, Portugal: Saints, Devils & Cursed Souls
- Mar 19, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 20
Amarante, Portugal, a charming town nestled on the banks of the Tâmega River, is a place where folklore is etched into the very stones of its bridges and churches. To truly know Amarante is to know its stories.
This guide is dedicated to the legends that shape the city's soul—from São Gonçalo,a matchmaking saint who tricked the devil to the enchanted Moura a cursed princess and mysterious spirits haunting the river.
A Quick Guide to Amarante's Legends
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Table of Content
If you want to hop to a specific legend, click on for more details
The Enchanted Moura: A Tale of Cursed Love
Passed down through generations, the legend of the Enchanted Moura is a cornerstone of Amarante's folklore. It captures the region's history of Moorish and Christian conflict, wrapped in a story of magic and sorrow.
The Classic Version: A Love Forbidden
In this telling, a beautiful Moorish princess fell in love with a Christian knight. Their forbidden and doomed romance ended in betrayal. As a punishment, she was cursed and turned to stone, condemned to wait for eternity for her beloved to return. It is said her spirit still wanders the cliffs on moonlit nights, her lament echoing over the water.
The Poetic Version: The Moonlit Dancer
Another version paints the Moura as a mystical guardian of a hidden treasure. Her beauty captivated everyone who saw her.
Imprisoned by a spell, she can only appear on nights of the full moon to dance by the Tâmega River. Locals believe only a person with a pure heart and true love can break her curse and claim the treasure she protects.
To me, this is one of the most beautiful stories of the local folklore!!
👉 “Much like the enchanted figures of Amarante, Paris also holds stories of powerful women. Walk through the Paris of the French Revolution to uncover their legacy.
São Gonçalo: Amarante's Miracle-Working Saint
No figure is more central to Amarante's identity than São Gonçalo of Amarante. A 13th-century friar, his legacy is a powerful blend of faith, miracles, and matchmaking.
The Matchmaker of Amarante
São Gonçalo is famously known as the patron saint of love and marriage.
A tradition that endures to this day involves visiting his tomb inside the Church and Convent of São Gonçalo.
Legend says that single individuals who touch the statue and pull a specific rope will find a spouse within a year.
The story of the saint who helps lonely hearts contributed to Amarante's reputation as a destination for those seeking love.
The Mystery of the São Gonçalo Bridge: A Pact with the Devil
The magnificent São Gonçalo Bridge, an icon of the city, holds a dark and clever legend.
Seeing the townspeople's struggle to cross the powerful Tâmega River, São Gonçalo vowed to build a bridge.
The task proved monumental, and the legend says he struck a deal with the devil for assistance.
The devil agreed to help build it in exchange for the soul of the first living being to cross it. Once the bridge was complete, the clever saint fulfilled his promise by sending a dog across first, saving the people of Amarante and outwitting the devil.
The bridge and its imposing arches rise over the Tâmega River as a monument to perseverance and faith.
The Devils of Amarante & The Spirits of the Tâmega
The Devils of the Convent
One of Amarante's most peculiar tales involves a pair of wooden devil statues—a man and a woman—that were housed for years in the São Gonçalo Convent.
Despite their unholy appearance, the monks grew fond of them.
The original figures were burned during the French invasions.
Unsatisfied with the destruction, the monks asked António Ferreira de Carvalho replicas that can now be seen in the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Municipal Museum.
Legend has it that, on August 24th, the devils are on the loose! But São Gonçalo defeated them and expelled them from Amarante.
The Spirits of the River
The Tâmega River itself is steeped in myth. Its waters are said to hold healing properties, a secret guarded by mystical nymphs. Legend claims that on full moon nights, these nymphs can be seen dancing on the surface, protecting the river's magic.
Many believe that bathing in or drinking river water can bring good luck and good health.
Festivals That Keep the Legends Alive
Amarante's most beloved legends still shape its living traditions.
In January, the Festival of São Gonçalo honors the matchmaking saint, with locals tying colorful ribbons for love and blessings.
In June, during one of Portugal's most vibrant pilgrimages, the town celebrates with processions, music, and joy — proof that the city's legends are not just stories but part of daily life.
✨ Want to Experience the Legends for Yourself?
If you're visiting Amarante, you can walk in the footsteps of these stories:
Visit the Convent of São Gonçalo and pull the rope near his tomb — just like the legend says.
Cross the São Gonçalo Bridge, where the saint outsmarted the devil.
Walk the riverbanks at dusk, and listen for whispers of the Enchanted Moura.
Step into the Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso Museum to see the devil statues that still raise eyebrows today.
👉 For tips on where to stay, eat, and explore in town, read my full post: Amarante: A Romantic Getaway in Northern Portugal
Conclusion
The legends of Amarante are more than stories — they’re part of what defines this riverside town.
From saints to spirits, each tale reflects the values, imagination, and traditions of its people. Keeping these stories alive is essential to preserving the rich tradition and history.
Have you heard another legend from Amarante we haven’t covered here? Share it in the comments—let’s keep the magic alive! ✨
💡 Planning a Northern Portugal trip?
Don’t miss our guide Vila nova de gaia to Porto — a perfect pairing with your visit to Amarante.
FAQ: Legends and Folklore of Amarante
What are the most famous legends of Amarante?
The most famous legends include the story of São Gonçalo, the matchmaking saint who built the town bridge; the Enchanted Moura, a cursed Moorish princess; and the tales of devils residing in the local convent.
Who is Saint Gonçalo of Amarante?
São Gonçalo was a 13th-century Dominican friar and saint from Amarante, Portugal. He is the town's patron saint and is celebrated as a miracle worker and, most famously, a matchmaker for those seeking love.
What is the story of the Enchanted Moura?
The Enchanted Moura is a legendary Moorish woman said to haunt the cliffs of Amarante. Some versions say she was turned to stone while waiting for her lost love; others tell of her dancing by the river under the full moon, guarding a hidden treasure only true love can unlock.
What is the legend of the São Gonçalo Bridge?
The legend states that São Gonçalo made a pact with the devil to help build the bridge over the Tâmega River. To pay the devil's price—the soul of the first to cross—the saint cleverly sent a dog across first, saving the townspeople.
Are the legends of Amarante based on real history?
Many legends are rooted in historical figures and local traditions, but they’ve been shaped by centuries of storytelling. They reflect the town’s religious devotion, cultural heritage, and imagination—making them part folklore, part identity.
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