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61-598: Bragança is administratively divided in twelve municipalities and 299 parishes located in the north-eastern part of Trás-os-Montes . The capital of the district, Bragança , is 217 kilometres (135 mi) from Porto , the second largest town in Portugal, 107 kilometres (66 mi) from the Spanish town of Zamora and 169 kilometres (105 mi) from Salamanca , also in Spain. It is bordered by Spain ( Castile and Leon and Galicia ) in

122-616: A World Heritage Site by Unesco on December 14, 2001. The northeast of the region is declared a biosphere reserve by Unesco under the name of Meseta Ibérica. The Douro is the most outstanding river in this territory and the backbone of the relief and the geographical and human disposition. The following important rivers yield their waters to it: the Sabor River , the Tua River and the Corgo River , whose courses served to channel rail transport in

183-418: A career. In the small villages, agricultural activity is maintained at a good pace, so that it is still possible to obtain good: corn, wheat, olive oil, chestnuts and some delicate grapes widely used in the production of wine from the region (called port wine ) as well as a large number of natural agricultural products. Granite and mineral water are also very important industries in the region. Trás-os-Montes

244-556: A significant contrast from the average fish-eating habits of the Portuguese . Posta à mirandesa is one of the most recognizable dishes in Trás-os-Montes, along with javali no pote ( wild boar ), marrã à moda de Mesão Frio (pig), cabrito assado à transmontana or milhos à moda de Trás-os-Montes (similar to a cozido à portuguesa with milho-branco (crushed corn) instead of vegetables); though seafood dishes also made their way in

305-537: A territory identifiable as Bragança only appeared after the Celts who baptised one of their main settlements Brigantia , in the second century, which was later Latinized to Bragança . But this settlement was limited. The region's name was derived from the traditional feudal history of the northern region: the Bragançãos family of Castro de Avelãs were the basis of this lineage that included Fernão Mendes, who later married

366-459: Is Mediterranean , but rainfall is much more distributed throughout the year than in other regions of Portugal, making it relatively close to an oceanic or humid subtropical climate . This region is also more prone to summer thunderstorms than any other place in the country, due to its distance from the Azores High . Two cities from Trás-os-Montes, Chaves and Bragança also hold the record for

427-640: Is a city and municipality in northeastern Portugal, in Bragança District . The population in 2011 was 15,776, in an area of 699.14 km . During antiquity, the region was occupied by the Celts , then Romans and finally the Arab forces of the Umayyad Caliphate , who dominated the region until the Christian Reconquista . The Romans defeated the local hill tribes, and reorganized settlements in

488-471: Is divided into two climatic regions: Terra Fria (English: Cold Lands ), to the north, an area of cold winters and hot dry summers; and the southern part of the municipality, referred to as Terra Quente ( Portuguese : Hot Lands ), between the Sabor River and the municipality of Mirandela , susceptible to lower winter temperatures and warm summers, commonly above 40 °C. The municipality consists of

549-689: Is known by locals as the land of "10 months of winter and 2 months of hell" ( dez meses de inverno e dois meses de inferno ). The region has always been divided into two climatic zones, known as the Terra Fria (Cold Land) and the Terra Quente (Hot Land). The Terra Fria is the area with very cold and prolonged winters, with warm to hot and dry summers, while the Terra Quente has shorter winters, although equally cold, with very hot and dry summers that show their influence even in spring and fall, they are shorter than normal. Due to its continentality, Trás-os-Montes has

610-481: Is limited to issues of public security, and local governance. The region is known for its small (almost subsistence) agriculture, supported by various species of free-range cattle and traditional agricultural techniques. Local gastronomy, which includes Mirandês beef, embutidos , lamb, sheep and poultry, cascas com casulos , trout, bread, cheese and honey, as well as a range of sweets and pastries, are rich representations of this zone. Unlike tourism in central Portugal,

671-673: Is made up of 5 other municipalities in the south of the Douro River. , all of them included in Viseu and Guarda, all of them being part of the Central region The most important cities in the region are: Vila Real , Bragança , Chaves , Mirandela , Macedo de Cavaleiros , Lamego , Peso da Régua , Miranda do Douro and Valpaços . All of them are relatively small and populated with less than 50,000 inhabitants. Many people in this region live in small towns. Traditionally these villages were disconnected from

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732-411: Is situated in the northeast region of the Trás-os-Montes, within the district of Bragança , limited by the neighbouring administrations of Bragança , Vinhais , Mirandela , Alfândega da Fé , Mogadouro and Vimioso . It occupies the central part of the district, in a transitional zone between the distinctly different Terra Fria ( Cold Lands ) and Terra Quente ( Hot Lands ). The median altitude in

793-506: Is the Douro River that characterizes the geography, dividing the borders within the district, its southern frontier and extreme northeast borders with Spain. It is in the Douro valley that the lowlands of the district are primarily located, although almost all are 400 metres above sea level, with the exception of the municipality of Mirandela and its rivers. In addition to the Douro, the rivers of

854-500: Is the fifth largest district of Portugal: One of 18 Portuguese districts, this administrative division serves to define electoral units for proportional representation in national elections; administrative centres for police, courts and other public orders; and some local offices of ministries. Although Bragança has a Civil Governor, nominated by the Ministry of Home Affairs ( Portuguese : Ministro da Administração Interna ), his/her role

915-634: The Alto Trás-os-Montes , where the landscape is dominated gentler slopes of the plateau; and the southern areas, the Terra Quente Trasmontana ( Hot Lands ), where the climate is milder, marked by the valleys of the Douro River and its tributaries. Its area allows a wide diversity of landscapes, and the district is known for its climatic differences (nine months of winter and three of heat), its rugged geomorphology, an aging population and urban to rural migration of its residents over time. It

976-578: The Douro River . Geomorphologically the mountainous Trás-os-Montes region forms a continuum with the Galician Massif , so that it is considered as a whole under the name 'Galicia-Trás-os-Montes Zone'. This region is made up of two main districts, both to the right (north) of the Douro River: Vila Real and Bragança , included as part of the North Region of Portugal , the other district

1037-513: The Galician bagpipe or the Scottish bagpipe , for example, the mirandesa bagpipe has recently been recovered, so its repertoire is almost all traditional, with few modern compositions. This is due, in part, to the decline of the instrument, whose tradition had been maintained orally and was already being lost. However, today there are many old recordings and collections of this instrument available through

1098-433: The 1976 Constitution. The proposal for regionalization subject to a referendum in 1998 (having been rejected) foresaw the creation of the Trás-os-Montes region, in every way the same as the province of 1936, with the exception of including one more municipality ( Mêda ). Macedo de Cavaleiros Municipality Macedo de Cavaleiros ( European Portuguese pronunciation: [mɐˈseðu ðɨ kɐvɐˈlɐjɾuʃ] )

1159-451: The 19th century, Trás-os-Montes included the districts of Bragança , Miranda, Torre de Moncorvo and Vila Real . In the interior of its territory, the Ervededo couto was located, which depended on the comarca of Braga ( Province of Entre-Douro-e-Minho ). The Province of Trás-os-Montes remained in the administrative division of 1832. At that time, it had a prefect - a magistrate representing

1220-563: The Azibo Dam ), is a unique environment: the result of the construction of the Azibo Dam between 1980 and 1982, that has resulted in an area of 4,987 hectares (19.25 sq mi): a mixture of both human and natural habitats, that includes species of aquatic and migratory birds. The lake created by the construction of the dam provided conditions for nautical sports, in addition to the creation of two beaches, and later, support facilities for golf, pedestrian trails and bike paths. The municipality

1281-627: The Baixo Sabor reservoir, one of the largest in the region. Nearby are those located in the International Douro: Castro , Miranda , Picote , Bemposta , Aldeadávila and Saucelle . Half of Portuguese ownership and the other half Spanish. Undoubtedly the most important hydroelectric infrastructure in the region is the Alto Douro Vinhateiro navigation channel, which makes it possible for tourist cruises to transit from Porto to

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1342-686: The Infanta Sancha (daughter of Afonso Henriques ), inheriting the region on the death of the King. The Bragançãos would maintain their hold on the region until 1258, when Afonso III transferred the title to Nuno Martins, but the name Braganção would continue to influence the region. Eventually, the King Afonso V established the Dukedom of the Duchy of Braganza for his uncle, Afonso, Count of Barcelos to strengthen

1403-756: The Mente River (serving the Rabaçal), and the Azibo River (supporting the Sabor). The mountain ranges divide these water courses: the Serra da Nogueira (approximately 1320 metres) separates the Tuela and Sabor valleys; more to the south, the Serra de Bornes (1199 metres), in the municipalities of Macedo de Cavaleiros and Alfândega da Fé separate the Tua and Sabor Rivers; to the east, the columns of

1464-569: The Serra do Mogadouro (997 metres) separate the Sabor and Douro; and in the north, at the border with Spain, the largest mountains in the region the Serra da Coroa (1274 metres), north of Vinhais , and the Serra de Montesinho (1400 metres) at the frontier, shield the Spanish autonomous communities from Portugal. A major part of the dams in the district are located along the Douro; the Valeira, Pocinho, Saucelle, Aldeadávila, Bemposta, Picote and Miranda Dams, along

1525-531: The Spanish border at Barca d’Alva . It is possible thanks to the locks of the Pocinho , Valeira , Régua , Carrapatelo and Crestuma-Lever dams. In addition to Portuguese, in the northeastern corner of the region, known as Tierra de Miranda , Mirandese is spoken, a dialect of the Asturian language , which is officially recognized in Trás-os-Montes under Law No. 7 / 99, of January 29, 1999, of official recognition of

1586-400: The area of action of a main frontier, a military commander who was assigned the operational command of the province's troops on campaign. From the 17th century onwards, the province was divided into several corrections (also called comarcas), each with its own corregedor. The province then became just a statistical unit and a military region commanded by a governor of arms. At the beginning of

1647-674: The assassin and saving the future King. King John recognized and was grateful to the knight, whose family coat-of-arms after the Battle began to appear with a blue sash and a silver apple. During the Inquirições (English: Inquiries or inventory ) of King Afonso , in 1258, the territory of Macedo belonged to the knights Nuno Martins and Mendes Gonçalves. At the time it was a small settlement, relatively unimportant if compared to neighbouring Nozelo, Vale Prados, Cortiços, Sezulfe and Pinhovelo, which received their forals before Macedo de Cavaleiros. It

1708-571: The central government - and a provincial general council - a local authority, elected locally. The province was divided into the districts of Bragança, Chaves, Moncorvo and Vila Real. The counties, which were not provincial headquarters, each had a sub-prefect, who represented the prefect. By the administrative reform of 1835, Portugal was divided into districts. The division into provinces was maintained, but these became mere groupings of districts for statistical and regional reference purposes, without their own bodies. The Province of Trás-os-Montes joined

1769-419: The coast due to the lack of good roads, and thus suffered the effects of poverty and isolation. In these cases it can be understood that immigration was the only solution. Today the situation has improved with better roads and communications, but most populations continue to lose population, especially young people who prefer to go to large cities where there are usually more amenities and more opportunities to run

1830-416: The coldest winters in Portugal, with January temperatures varying between 7–11 °C (45–52 °F) during the day and 0–3 °C (32–37 °F) during the night; and has rather hot summers, with July and August temperatures varying between 26–32 °C (79–90 °F) during the day and 12–15 °C (54–59 °F) during the night, 33–34 °C (91–93 °F) in low-lying valleys. The overall climate

1891-558: The district run north to south (or northeast to southwest) within the Douro watershed. The principal rivers are the Tua River, which springs from the mountains of Mirandela, at the confluence of Tuela and Rabaçal Rivers, and the Sabor River, which springs in Spain, and crosses the eastern part of the district. Both rivers have a network of tributaries, such as the Baceiro River (feeding the Tuela),

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1952-516: The districts of Bragança and Vila Real. The province, now named Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro and encompassing some municipalities on the left bank of the Douro , was reinstated by the administrative reform of 1936, in accordance with the Constitution of 1933 ( Estado Novo ). The new provinces were created, based on a geographical study by geographer Amorim Girão that identified 13 "natural regions" in

2013-608: The first invaders, founded their kingdom in the northwest part of the peninsula (from their capital in Braga), incorporating the lands of Bragança. Later the Visigoths and Arabs invaded, creating an uninhabited desert of the region, while concentrating their administration in the province of Zamora . The name Macedo de Cavaleiros came from a combination of concepts. The first from the Portuguese term for apple ( Portuguese : maçã ), since

2074-430: The following parishes: The tertiary sector represents 58% of the economic activity in this territory; secondary activities, localized mostly in the industrial zone of the city, represent 22% of the activities of the region. Similarly, agricultural production (21% of the workforce are farmers), is involved in cultivation and animal husbandry. The climatic conditions in the region, and the fertility of its soils has allowed

2135-660: The highest air pressure ever recorded in Portugal, 1050.3 hPa. Trás-os-Montes stands out mainly for its landscape contrasts. To the north is the Montesinho Natural Park , to the east the Douro International Natural Park , bordering Spain, to the northwest the Peneda-Gerês National Park , to the east the Marão and Alvão mountains and to the south the region of Alto Douro Vinhateiro , declared

2196-514: The lack of development, which led its inhabitants to seek better conditions on the coast or emigrate to other European countries such as France , Luxembourg and Switzerland , and to Brazil . The name of Trás-os-Montes refers to the location to the east of mountains such as Marão , Alvão and Gerês , which separate the interior from the coast, and which form a valley around the Douro River . These natural barriers have kept this region of Portugal depopulated and poor for several centuries, being

2257-608: The linguistic rights of the Miranda community. It is spoken by about 15,000 people in the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro and Vimioso. International organizations such as SIL International grant it its own code, others such as Unesco frame it within the Asturian language. Caretos de Podence is a masquerade held in the town of Podence , belonging to the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros , which has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco. Inserted in

2318-416: The local cuisine: Bacalhau à bruxa de Valpaços or Polvo à transmontana (octopus) are also well known. Sweet foods include Doce Teixeira (made with lemon and cinnamon), Pudim de castanha (chestnut pudding ), and variants of classic Portuguese recipes such as Papos-de-anjo de Mirandela or Toucinho-do-céu de Murça . Trás-os-Montes was one of the six major administrative divisions into which

2379-622: The main river, and the Azibo, Nuzedo de Baixo and Rebordelo, along its tributaries. Bragança includes several natural sanctuaries, such as the Parque Natural de Montesinho , the Parque Natural do Douro Internacional , and the Paisagem Protegida da Albufeira do Azibo , oasises in the northwest part of the Iberian Peninsula . Consisting of twelve municipalities, the district of Bragança

2440-462: The mountains", Trás-os-Montes is located northeast of the country in an upland area, landlocked by the Douro and Tâmega rivers to south and west and by the Spanish communities of Galicia and Castile and León to the north and east. This relative isolation has led to the survival of cultural traditions that mark the Portuguese identity. On the other hand, its extreme continentality also contributed to

2501-570: The municipality is between 600 and 700 metres, marked in the north by the Serra de Nogueira, in the centre by the Serra de Ala and Serra do Cubo, and in the south by the Serra de Bornes and the Monte de Morais. A vast part of the municipality (24.4%) is incorporated within the Natura 2000 initiative, with particular reference to the Morais Massif, considered the "umbigo do mundo" ( Portuguese : navel of

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2562-449: The north and northeast, Vila Real District in the west, Viseu District in the southwest and Guarda District in the south. During the Roman era, the territory was part of the much larger province of Gallaecia , dependent administratively on Astorga and the gold, iron and silver trade route. Although names similar to Bragança appeared around 666 B.C. (Wamba) or 569 A.D. (Council of Lugo),

2623-572: The northeast to southeast frontier with Spain). Mirandese , a local variant, is commonly observed in the regions of the District, particularly around Miranda do Douro , and has resulted in its official recognition by the Portuguese Parliament. Tr%C3%A1s-os-Montes (region) Trás-os-Montes ( Portuguese pronunciation: [ˌtɾaz uʒ ˈmõtɨʃ] ) is a geographical, historical and cultural region of Portugal . Portuguese for "behind

2684-496: The objective to "facilitate the action of government...and permit access to the authorities" . The establishment of the districts was primarily done to counteract the centralizing tendencies of the governmental authority. The district is composed of two distinct regions described in terms of its geographic differences: the northern areas, with the higher altitudes constitute the Terra Fria Transmontana ( Cold lands ), and

2745-455: The reason that many of its inhabitants were forced to emigrate to the coast or to other countries such as Brazil, France, Luxembourg or Switzerland. Though the boundaries have slightly changed since its creation, traditionally, the territory comprising Trás-os-Montes is limited up north with Galicia , to the east with Castile and León , to the west with the Tâmega River and to the south with

2806-482: The region is sought for its unspoiled nature and rural tourism; its agrarian lifestyle, although an important part of its enchantment, supports the local population, primarily in cattle-raising, dairy production and cultivation of rye and wheat. In the urban areas, particularly the municipal seats, the primary economic activities predominate, including the public-sector institutions, commerce and industry. The difficulty in communication and interconnection between markets

2867-580: The region was acclaimed for its fertile lands and apple orchards ( Portuguese : macedos ). It was also associated with the knight ( Portuguese : cavaleiro ), Martim Gonçalves de Macedo, who saved John, the Master of Aviz during the Battle of Aljubarrota . During the battle on 14 August 1385, John was attacked by Álvaro Gonçalves de Sandoval, the Castilian striking down the nobleman. Macedo swiftly intervened, killing

2928-484: The region, influencing local culture and social administration. The territory east of the Tua River, from Mirandela until the confluence of the Douro (which almost represents the district of Bragança) was Romanized, as was all of Iberia. In the 5th century, when the first barbarians invaded from the Pyrenees , this region, which was part of the Roman province of Gallaecia , which was administered and judicially subordinate to

2989-685: The region. Another important river is the Tâmega , which serves as the boundary of the region to the west. One of its tributaries is the Rabagão River , which also serves to delimit the region and on which the Alto Rabagão and Venda Nova reservoirs are built. In the Azibo River , a tributary of the Sabor, the Azibo reservoir is established, a protected natural area of tourist interest. The Sabor river gives rise to

3050-458: The religious courts and chancellery of Asturias . The Roman process of assimilation accelerated after resistance was defeated, and many of the ancient castros were destroyed or abandoned in favour of the organized settlements in the valleys. The barbarian invasions marked a multi-secular conflict in Iberia, and the land changed hands between rival groups regularly. The Suebi peoples, who came with

3111-518: The return of Colonial troops/citizens ( Portuguese : Retornados ) that occurred during the middle of the 20th century. As a consequence, the town of Macedo de Cavaleiros was elevated to the status of city in 1999. Macedo de Cavaleiros was formerly served by the Tua line , a narrow gauge railway running between Bragança and Tua . The northern part of the line, including Macedo de Cavaleiros station, closed in 1991. The municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros

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3172-466: The territory of Portugal was divided in the 15th century. The division was known as Comarca until the 16th century, from then on to being known as Province . Until the 17th century, the Province of Trás-os-Montes constituted a correctional office, administered by a corregedor (a magistrate with judicial and administrative functions). At the same time, in the event of war, the province also constituted

3233-460: The territory of mainland Portugal. The natural region of Trás-os-Montes and the natural region of Alto Douro were grouped into the province of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. However, the provinces never had any practical attribution, and disappeared from the administrative scene (although not from the daily vocabulary of the Portuguese) with the constitutional revision of 1959, not being recovered by

3294-586: The thick blankets of their suits. They are similar to those held in towns in the Spanish Leonese Region such as La Bufa de San Antón in Aldeadávila de la Ribera , in the Province of Salamanca , or El Zangarrón de Montamarta, in the Province of Zamora . The gaita transmontana or gaita mirandesa is among the most archaic known bagpipe models, in terms of its tuning and mode. Contrary to what happens with

3355-571: The ties of the crown to the land. When the royal House of Braganza ascended to the throne of Portugal (through John IV ), the significance of Bragança , as the hereditary seat of the Kings and Emperors of Portugal was sealed. The district of Bragança was constituted upon the creation of the district system on 25 April 1835; a creation of the Liberal government, it was inspired by the French départements , with

3416-420: The winter festivals, so characteristic in the Trás-os-Montes region, the Caretos represent diabolical and mysterious images that every year, since time immemorial, have been out on the streets at carnival festivals. Interrupting the long silences of each winter, as if secretly and unpredictably emerging from the corners of Podence, the Caretos and their frenzied cowbells appear well crossed in the colored stripes of

3477-577: The work of many ethnomusicologists . It shares various structural aspects with the sanabresa or alistana bagpipes. The gastronomy of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro reflects the difficulties experienced by the local populations of the region which had to adapt their diet to survive in the desolate region. Much of the local enchidos are made with every part of the animal, lard and bread soups were made, and high durability ingredients, such as chestnuts and casulas (bean pods that were left to dry and then cooked) were used. Dishes are mostly meat-based,

3538-419: The world ), due to the number of rare plant species. The Morais Massif occupies approximately 12,878 hectares (49.72 sq mi); it is serpentine geomorphological space with important geological and biological qualities. The Morais ophiolite is an uplifted section of rock from the boundary between the earth's crust and mantle. The Paisagem Protegida da Albufeira do Azibo (English: Protected Landscape of

3599-409: Was always a problem in this region, resulting in few investments and economic development. Tourism still remains the sector of the economy that has potential to improve development, and fix a transient population. Leonese language was widely spoken in the territory, but today, there are few who speak the language (which is primarily concentrated in the communities near Rio de Onor, Guadramil and along

3660-419: Was only after the 14th century that references to Macedo dos Cavaleiros began to appear in official documents. Around 1722, King John V designated Macedo as a Quinta , equivalent to a small estate, indicating the size of this region. The municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros was created in 1853, from the administrative remains of Chacim and Cortiços municipalities, and ten years later the settlement of Macedo

3721-402: Was proclaimed a vila (English: town ). To this time, the space were listed as royal lands, then established by John V for the House of Braganza . Growth during the 20th century has been the result of immigration, resulting from the expansion of raillines and interlinking of circulatory avenues in the northeast of Portugal. A boom in construction and expansion of services was the result of

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