| VILA
REAL |
Founded in 1272, Vila Real (which means 'royal town') is a thriving
agricultural centre ideally situated on an upland plateau ringed
with mountains. Here, visitors will see many interesting old
buildings with elegant stone façades, their portals decorated
with the original owners' coats of arms, with many of their
descendants still in residence.
It was also the birthplace of Diogo Cão, the first navigator
to reach the mouth of the River Congo in 1482.
Vila Real's strategic location at the juncture of the Douro
province and Trás-os-Montes has helped it to play an
important role in the economy of the region. For example, in
1895 it became the first town in Portugal to install electricity.
What to see. Built in 1528, the church of São Pedro in
Rua da Portela boasts a fine Baroque façade and an interior
of rare 17th-century azulejo glazed tiles. The town's centrally-located
Gothic cathedral is all that remains of the Dominican monastery
of São Domingos, constructed for King João I in
1427.
Nearby. 5 km north-east of Vila Real lies the ancient rock-temple
of Panóias, where the Romans sacrificed animals and probably
humans to their gods. The small village of Bisalhães,
6 km to the west, is well-known for its unusual black and dark-grey
pottery, coloured by wood smoke during slow firing. These tough
pots are used for storing oil and olives, carrying water and
cooking. The Solar de Mateus, situated just 3 km from Vila Real,
is one of the best-known country manor houses in Portugal. Built
in the 18th century and belonging to the Count of Vila Real,
the house features on the label of every bottle of Mateus Rosé
wine. |
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| © 2007 Maisturismo |
