by Manuel Fernandes

Located in the heart of a rural parish on the outskirts of Guimarães, the sanctuary of São Torcato is a massive granite building whose tall towers can be seen in the distance. Inside this eclectic-style sanctuary, something unexpected awaits the visitor: the mummified body of a man, dressed as if he were a bishop, exposed to the public curiosity. Nobody knows for sure who this body belongs to, although tradition identifies it as a non-canonical saint whose devotion dates back to medieval times. When seen in profile, we can glimpse a sui generis landscape represented on this body, with slopes and prominences, even a valley with a bridge, suggested by his arched hand – as if the surrounding landscape were transfigured into this body. Some distance away, in the place of Ataca, mysterious granite warriors stand in the middle of a field, slender and arranged in a strange rhythm. Some claim that a battle was held here in the 12th century, under the auspices of St Mamede, another holy man whose body has long since been lost, but whose name remains. Portugal, as a political entity, may have resulted from this battle, and a fierce debate persists around this idea. In the surrounding fields, corn, vines and wild herbs grow and bear fruit every year, indifferent to the discussion. Walking along this trans_substantial landscape, made up of green and grey, can open up new possibilities for the eye and the imagination.

Participants nr: 25 people (no problem if more or less people turn up)
Duration: 7H
Materials: clothing and footwear for walking, packed lunch
Meeting point: Art gallery Garagem Avenida
Meeting time: 8:45am at Bus stop S. Dâmaso Sul
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sS2WxhuE5jSiLmw17
Logistical walkshop needs:
travel – Guimabus (linha 62 – outward; linha 170 – return)
https://guimabus.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/062-CIRCULAR-ALDAO-SELHO-S.LOURENCO.pdf
https://guimabus.pt/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/170-GUIMARAES-GONCA-VIA-STORCATO.pdf