History of Moinho da Ponte Velha

In 1937, the miller couple Manuel Faustino Afonso (known as Castanheira) and Maria Belisanda Manso began operating the Moinho da Ponte Velha, by the Sabor River in Bragança. They came from Mogadouro, where Manuel Faustino had spent two years helping launch the region's first electric mill, before returning to their hometown — Bragança — where seven of their eight children were born.

After Manuel Faustino’s passing in April 1945, Maria Belisanda continued running the mill with the help of her older daughters and youngest son, Manuel. Even after the tragic death of young Manuel at the age of 17, in November 1949, the mill remained active thanks to the dedication of their daughter Teresa, who moved in with her husband (known as Barilhas) and their daughters.

It is believed that Teresa and Barilhas ceased mill operations in the early 1960s, and the mill remained in ruins for nearly five decades until 2007, when Lucília de Castro Carção decided to bring it back to life.

Lucília is the youngest daughter of Belmiro Carção and Laura Falcão de Castro, originally from Sendim, Miranda do Douro.

In 1984, Belmiro purchased several plots of land in Bragança, including the one where the old mill stood. In 2000, he considered selling the property but first asked if any of his children were interested in taking it over. Lucília took up the challenge.

Driven by a deep connection to the place and moved by the mill’s abandoned state, Lucília began its restoration in 2007—a project that unfolded over five years. Captivated by the surrounding nature, she found her purpose: to share this magical place with the world.

Moinho da Ponte Velha opened to tourism in December 2011, received official classification as a Casa de Campo – Turismo Rural, and has since welcomed guests from all over the globe. Visitors find peace, natural beauty, and an authentic connection to the land.

The name "Moinho da Ponte Velha" (Mill of the Old Bridge) naturally arose from its privileged location next to an ancient Roman bridge, originally known as the Ponte das Carvas. For centuries, it was the only crossing over the Sabor River in Bragança, until the mid-20th century. It was across this historic bridge that the miller would pass with animals loaded with sacks of flour, heading to nearby villages to sell his goods. This Roman bridge, a silent witness to generations of rural life and labor, gave identity to the mill that stood by its side for decades.

The sound of the flowing river, birds singing, fish leaping, and trees swaying in the wind compose a melody of tranquility that turns every stay into a truly memorable experience.