Vila Nova de Cerveira

Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Vila Nova de Cerveira


image_coat_of_arms = VNC.png

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Region = Norte
Subregion = Minho-Lima
District = Viana do Castelo
Mayor_name = José Carpinteira
Mayor_party = PS
area_total = 108.6
population_total = 8,752 (2006)
population_density = 80.6
Parishes = 15
coor = 41º58'N 8º41'W
params = 41_58_N_8_41_W
occasion =
day = October 1
website = http://www.cm-vncerveira.pt
footnotes =

Vila Nova de Cerveira (pron. IPA2|'vilɐ 'nɔvɐ dɨ sɨɾ'vɐjɾɐ) is a municipality in Portugal, with a total area of 108.6 km² and a total population of 8,752 inhabitants (2006).

The municipality is composed of 15 parishes, and is located in the district of Viana do Castelo.

The present Mayor is José Manuel Vaz Carpinteira, elected by the Socialist Party.

The municipal holiday is October 1.

Parishes

* Campos
* Candemil
* Cornes
* Covas
* Gondar
* Gondarém
* Loivo
* Lovelhe
* Mentrestido
* Nogueira
* Reboreda
* Sapardos
* Sopo
* Vila Meã
* Vila Nova de Cerveira

General info

The town was founded by King Denis of Portugal in 1321 and today is mainly known and visited due to the international biennial of art [ [http://www.bienaldecerveira.org/uk/home.php/ Vila Nova de Cerveira international biennial of art] ] that takes place in the town since 1978.

Location

Between the river and the mountain, Vila Nova de Cerveira is located on the left bank of Minho River, which establishes the border with Spain, and is limited to northeast with the municipality of Valença, Paredes de Coura to east, Ponte de Lima to the south and Caminha to south-southwest.

The name of the village

The name of the village it's explained by a legend."Once upon a time... there was a stag (deer) that was chosen by the Gods of Olympos to become a King. And so the stag decided to move, together with other stags, to this uninhabitated territory that began to be known as "Terras de Cervaria" (Land of the Stags). Many years flew past. Fights, skirmishes and disasters gradually devastated the colony until only the King Stag was left. According to the legend, when the noblemen from Asturias came down during the Reconquest to conquer what was to become the Condado Portucalense (Portugal), a young noblemen challenged the King Stag to a face-to-face duel. And the old Lord accepted. The duel took place among trees and weeds on a trenched site. And, so the legend tells, the King Stag swept to victory! He kept the nobleman's flag that turned to be the King's coat of arms. But the Gods deceived the old King. He wouldn't be immortal... Tired of living and ill, the old Lord died in the loneliness of the crags and with him disappeared for good the Terra da Cervaria"."But the legend wasn't forgotten and the coat-of-arms still bears a golden passant stag in silver armour standing in a green field.

History

Vila Nova de Cerveira was established by the King Denis of Portugal on October 1st 1321, who also ordered the construction of the castle that still dominates the town center.

Attractions

*The Castle, today transformed to a "Pousada" [Pousada de Vila Nova de Cerveira - D. Diniz is set in a small 18th century manor house, where rooms and suites have their own courtyards] , was founded by King Denis of Portugal and dates back from the 14th century. It lies on a small hill that rises next to the Minho River thus overlooking the town and passages between Vila Nova de Cerveira and Galicia. The castle still preserves the old wall shield as well as some gates. Inside the walls it's possible to find the old Town Hall, the old Court, the pillory ("pelourinho" in Portuguese), old barracks and warehouses.
*The Parish Church (or "Igreja Matriz") was built in the 18th century, is dedicated to São Cipriano, the patron Saint of Vila Nova de Cerveira.
*The pillory (or "Pelourinho") is a symbol of municipal jurisdiction and is located inside the castle in front of the old Town Hall (or "Paços do Concelho"). It dates back from the 15th century.
*The old Town Hall dates back from the 16th century and is located inside the castle. In front of the building is the pillory.
*The "Misericórdia" Church is located inside the castle and dates back from the 17th century.
*The Manor House of the Castros Family (or "Solar dos Castros" in Portuguese) is a remarkable 18th century structure and it's one of the most important buildings in town. Currently it houses the Municipal Library.
*"Lovelhe" Fortress was built in the 17th century in a strategic area for defense manouvers on the left bank of Minho River during the restoration war (1640–1668) against Castile

References

External links

* [http://www.cm-vncerveira.pt Municipality official website]