The granite stone Village of Brufe. Portugal.

The village of Brufe, is about 12 km out of Terras de Bouro and belongs to the district of Braga, approximately 800m high in the slope of the Serra Amarela (Amarela Mountains), and it spreads out onto the valley of Rio Homem (Mens River).

The panoramic road that connects Brufe with the Vilarinho das Furnas dam is an excellent trail of high scenic value and cultural interest.

Text and Photos by: Joao Morales

Brufe is currently one of the best preserved villages in the county, with traces that tell the story of centuries of history, turning it into a living museum. Also, just a quick glance at the surroundings proves that it is essentially a place of agricultural life, the cattle being the main source of wealth of its population.

Given the abundance of water, irrigation methods of the land are customary, with a special interest in the growth of corn, which is usually stored in granite stone “Espigueiros” (Granaries), or in barns filled with bullock carts and agricultural tools.

The sense of community still persists, and the ideals of mutual help and sharing among the inhabitants are the norm. And they are a fundamental part of some important festivities held throughout the year, especially in the summer months. They bring color, joy and concertina sounds to the village, in honor of its patron saint. 

If you are into handicrafts, don’t miss the chance to visit the local shops, where artisans craft traditional utensils.

Brufe is present in the Yellow mountain in front with the parish Carvalheira and upstream to the Vilarinho das Furnas reservoir, where once prevailed the communal village of Vilarinho das Furnas. The village of Brufe shows a high rural heritage denouncing the roots of cultures and traditions peculiar, archaic symbol of coming communities of upland areas. The housing project was organized over rough terrain, and today is a tourist village consisting of architecturally simple constructions, solid granite masonry walls and woodwork to adorn the balconies and windows. The granaries, threshing floors, sequeiras and-water-mills make up a harmonious environment, eminently rural.

The Monastery of Santo André Rendufe located in Rendufe parish, Braga municipality, Braga.Embora district is unknown the exact date of construction of this ancient monastery of the Order of Saint Benedict, it is known that their early church already existed in 1151. Considered one of the leading houses of Benedictine monks in the country, was the founder of Penagate Egas Viegas, a member of the nobility and the Order of the master of the Templars in the country between 1157 and 1196. It was lord of Terras de Bouro, associated with Penela, between the rivers Cávado and the Lima.Encontra is classified as a Public Interest since 1943.