Old inn

Linhares da Beira

This inn, later the Misericórdia hospital, is an important milestone in understanding medieval charity. It helped the poor, pilgrims, the sick and all passers-by or residents who needed shelter or care. We also know that King Sancho I left 100 maravedis to this inn in his will. The inn became the Misericórdia hospital and it has undergone many substantial alterations. The inn/hospital has two storeys with a full arch topped by a niche with an image of St Anthony. At the ends we can still see two gargoyles, one anthropomorphic and the other zoomorphic. Local tradition has it that they represent the devil and a goat. They gave rise to legends about D. Lôpa, said to be the owner of this house. She made a pact with the devil under the influence of a maid (as in the legend Dama do Pé de Cabra) or on her own initiative, but St Anthony interceded to save her.