VI Meeting Águas da Goma

In the spring of 1846, the quiet region of Braga became the epicenter of the Maria da Fonte revolution, an uprising ignited by a controversial law prohibiting burials within church walls. This period of intense local defiance eventually reshaped the national government, yet today the only tremors felt near the village of Sobradelo da Goma are the ripples caused by swimmers crossing the Barragem das Andorinhas. This reservoir, a secluded mirror of water, sits under the shadow of the Lanhoso Castle, which rests upon the massive Laje Grande granite monolith. The massif serves as a significant watershed divide, separating the Cávado and Ave river systems, and provides an imposing backdrop that remains visible throughout the longer swim courses.

Race day and environment

As you navigate the lake, the landscape reflects a complex history of human intervention. Beyond the water, the path to the castle reveals the remains of a Romanized castro settlement, documenting continuous habitation since the Chalcolithic period. The event, hosted by the Grupo Desportivo da Goma, offers distances of 500m, 1500m, and 3000m. The 3000m race serves as a scoring event for the 2026 National Open Water Circuit, while a separate category allows for the use of thermal wetsuits for those who prefer extra insulation, provided they accept the exclusion from the official circuit ranking. Swimmers should note the 14:00 start for the main event, a schedule set to ensure optimal conditions in this rarely visited corner of the Minho province. Those looking to extend their experience in the region will find the Prova da Barragem da Queimadela taking place just one day later, offering a different character of inland water in the same district. Above the reservoir, the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Pillar stands as a reminder of local architectural shifts, having been built in the 17th century with stone salvaged directly from the medieval fortress walls nearby.