Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias, home of Kranemann Wine Estates, is one of the oldest properties in the Douro. Its past is shrouded in mystery and legends. Its centuries-long history draws on the property’s religious past and folklore, giving us a wealth of history and stories to explore. This blog post is about two of the legends.
The legend of Ardinga
The São Pedro das Águias Convent lends its name to what is today the flagship property of Kranemann Wine Estates, the Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias. The Quinta can trace its roots back to the 10th century and the Reconquista period, during which the Christian kingdoms expanded in the Iberian Peninsula. Close to the modern-day Convent, near Granjinha, is the São Pedro das Águias Romanesque-style temple with its very own love story. A testament to the area’s religious past.
At the time of the Reconquista, two noble warriors from Guimarães, Dom Rausendo and Dom Tedon, were well known in the region for their bravery. Ardinga, daughter of the Muslim ruler of the area, the Emir of Lamego, is said to have fallen in love with Dom Tedon. However, after fleeing and converting to Christianity to marry the nobleman, she was sought and eventually found by her father. He beheaded her and threw her body into the Távora river. Dom Tedon buried the mutilated body of his love in the São Pedro das Águias temple as per local legend. This temple later became a monastery.
Many years later, in the 12th century, monks from the Cistercian order settled in a second monastery of the same name, just 2 km away. This monument became the current Monastery of São Pedro das Águias.
Moura da Ponte do Fumo
The famous Ponte do Fumo, a Roman bridge across the River Távora at the foot of the Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias, has its own legend.
Folklore has it that that the Moors built the bridge in one night to flee from Christian persecution. Next to the bridge is a rock formation known as the Fraga da Moura, an allusion to an enchanted Moorish lady left behind with her children.
Legend has it that a singing lady appears on the rock. Half a woman of unimaginable beauty, and half a serpent, she can only be seen from afar. If anyone gets close, she disappears. No one dares to enter the river in that area for fear of disappearing into the depths of the river.
These stories are part of the Estate’s legacy, just like our vineyards and wines.
Please keep checking back on the Kranemann Wine Estates’ website as we’ll continue to share legends and historical facts relating to the Quinta do Convento de São Pedro das Águias. These stories enrich the history of our property and that of the unique Távora Valley.
