Fontoura
| Fontoura | |
|---|---|
| Parish | |
Parochial church
|
|
 Fontoura
|
|
| Coordinates: 41°57′22″N 8°37′59″W / 41.956°N 8.633°WCoordinates: 41°57′22″N 8°37′59″W / 41.956°N 8.633°W | |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Norte |
| Subregion | Minho-Lima |
| Intermunic. comm. | Alto Minho |
| District | Viana do Castelo |
| Municipality | Valença |
| Area | |
| • Total | 9.17 km2 (3.54 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 751 |
| • Density | 82/km2 (210/sq mi) |
| Postal code | 4930 |
| Area code | 251 |
| Patron | São Miguel |
| Website | www |
Fontoura is a civil parish (freguesia) in the municipality of Valença, in northern Portugal, on the southern boundary of Paredes de Coura. The population in 2011 was 751, in an area of 9.17 km². There were 668 registered voters on 31 December 2003.
The parish's origins date back to the pre-Roman era; several archaeological artefacts were discovered in the area around Grove, that trace back to this period. In addition to the remains of ceramic pottery and ash/coal, the settlement, on a round hilltop, was assumed to be the site of a fortified castro structure.
Similarly, along the flanks of Monte São Gabriel near Telhões early signs of settlement in the region were found, including bricks with wedges of yellow metal, attributed to early Moorish occupation in the area.
With the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal, the local lands were dotted with small enclaves; the area of Boriz, of Germanic origin, evolved from a proto-cultural settlement called Baudiricus, and was typical of the 9th-10th century settlements in the area. As tradition holds, the name Fontoura originated from a spring located near to the Casa Alta, whose waters contained gold particles or were prized for quality. Derived from Fonte d'Ouro (Golden Fountain), the settlement evolved over time into Fontoura. Reguengo, another settlement, was linked to Elizabeth of Portugal who stayed in the region on her return from a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
José Joaquim Champalimaud Nussane Lyra e Castra, a native son, constructed his magnificent mansion in Bárrio, in addition to patronizing the local Chapel of São José.
In 1258, the Church of São Miguel de Fontoura was cited as one of the churches belonging to the diocese of Tui, during the Inquiries of King Afonso III of Portugal. A 1320 catalogue of such churches, prepared for King Denis of Portugal, rated the São Miguel church for tax purposes at 100 pounds.
...
Wikipedia