With pink stone arches picturesquely mouldering in the sun, the Cistercian Mosteiro de Salzedas is located 3km up the Barosa valley from Ucanha in Vila Salzedas.This was one of the grandest monasteries in the land when it was built in 1168 with funds from Teresa Afonso, governess to Afonso Henriques’ five children. The enormous church, which was extensively remodelled in the 18th century, is today a bit scruffy with decay, particularly its roofless cloisters next door; the faux crystal chandeliers are an odd sight too.
Across from the church lies the old judiaria, with dark narrow lanes skirting around the gloomy centuries-old dwellings.
