A Piece of History …

The archives of the Diocese of Tui report that in the seventeenth century lived in the parish of Fofe more than 500 families, being the most prosperous activity the rye, wheat and corn farming. The mills that are still in the river are witnesses of those times. The trade routes that extended from the Ribeiro area towards the coast made Fofe a necessary stop. Goods traffic quickly turned the whole area in a favorable place to live. The increase in population led the church to assign more priests to the area so it was necessary to build a rectory to be home for seven priests. On the ruins of this house now stands the Rectoral de Fofe. The main premise was built with respect to the original structure of the house, enabling the interior for a better use as an accommodation business. Nowadays the Rectoral de Fofe hosts guests throughout the year.

The Legend …

It is said by the locals…

…that while the last of the priests who lived in the Rectoral was staying in the house, he was attacked by bandits. Armed with shotguns they entered through the main atrium with the purpose of robbing the house and kill anyone in his way. Prompted by the housekeeper, the priest woke up in the middle of the night and with no means of escape he designed a scheme to deceive the bandits.

When the bandits entered the priest’s room to claim his life, only found two frightened women who knelt before them, pleading for their lives. One such woman was none other than the priest, who was dressed in clothes of his servant, avoiding the evil intentions of the bandits.