The Noble Hall of the Paços do Concelho in Vieira do Minho hosted the presentation of the book "Variante do Caminho de Torres ao Caminho da Geira e dos Arrieiros", now in its second revised and updated edition. The event brought together authors Alberto Francisco Gonçalves Vilela and Luís Miguel Sampaio, guests, and institutional representatives, highlighting the importance of preserving the historical memory associated with this pilgrimage route.
The publication, the result of meticulous research, aims to identify and value the ancient pilgrimage trails to Santiago de Compostela. The work sheds light on crucial historical references for understanding the significance of these paths as routes for connection and exchange between communities over time.
The session was attended by prominent figures such as the Mayor of Vieira do Minho, Filipe de Oliveira, D. José Cordeiro, Archbishop of Braga and author of the preface, authors Alberto Vilela and Luís Miguel Sampaio, and RTP journalist Pedro Gil Vasconcelos. Alberto Vilela led the event, with Luís Miguel Sampaio moderating discussions focused on the historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of the pilgrimage routes.
For Vieira do Minho, this initiative holds special significance due to the municipality's strong connection to this historic itinerary. The Municipality expressed its determination to recover and revitalize this heritage.
“"The recovery of a historic path goes far beyond the rehabilitation of a route. It means recovering a history. It means preserving heritage. It means valuing the identity of the territory."
Filipe de Oliveira emphasized that the rehabilitation of this itinerary can enhance the synergy between various areas of municipal development, such as culture, heritage, and tourism, offering visitors a new perspective to explore the region through its historic paths.
“"A path only truly gains meaning when it is walked again."
The mayor pointed to the book's presentation as a new starting point to bring visibility to the route and create the necessary conditions for its recovery and future use. The goal is for the path to cease being merely a documentary reference and become integrated into the experience of those visiting the municipality.
The event served to highlight the authors' research and reinforce the importance of preserving and projecting a heritage fundamental to Vieira do Minho's identity, connecting historical memory with new generations and pilgrims seeking culture, nature, and spirituality.
