Abrantes
Encyclopedia
Abrantes is a municipality
in Portugal
, with a population of 41,560 inhabitants, located on the southern margin of the Tagus River.
It is believed that the first settlement in Abrantes was established by the Celts, around 300 BC. Its name developed from the Latin
Aurantes, perhaps because of the deposits of alluvial gold
(Latin: aurum), that settled along the Tagus. Similarly, Roman
mosaics, coins, the remains of ancient aqueducts, as well as other antiquities, have been discovered in the vicinity of Abrantes.
The village of Abrantes and its castle
were conquered from the Moors by Afonso Henriques in 1148. After 1172, Abrantes was a Spanish
military outpost, under the dominion of the Order of Saint James of Compostela. Later, it became a distinct order, when Pope Nicholas IV
(around 1290) released the Order from the jurisdiction of the Spanish grand master in Uclés
. It received its municipal foral
in 1179, in compensation for its resistance against the Morrocan Abem Jacob. Its creation in 1179, was based on the concelhos perfeitos ("perfect municipality") model; they were formed on the specific day that settlers were invited to populate them; the administrative regime, the organization of the municipal authority and geographic distribution were planned as part of system of populated uninhabited lands, and extending the political influence of the Kingdom. In 1173, the region, including its castle
, were donated to the Order of Saint James of the Sword). Its geography contributed to the colonization:
On 24 April 1281, King Dinis of Portugal, conceded the ownership of Abrantes to Queen Elizabeth of Aragon
.
Afonso IV of Portugal
transferred the title of the religious parish to the Knights Hospitaller
, in 1327, and donated Abrantes to Leonor Teles. Partners of the Master of Avis, the Abrantinos were one of the first to support the Lisboete movement of 1383, among them Fernando Álvares de Almeida, protector of the Casa de Abrantes.
King Manuel
remained in Abrantes for a long period; by 1510 he conceded a new foral to the town; and his children, the Infantes Fernando and Luís were born in Abrantes. During the 16th century, Abrantes and its religious parish was one of the largest and more populous lands in the Kingdom, with 3,436 inhabitants, four convents and 13 chapels or churches within its frontiers.
In 1581, in his dislocation to Tomar
, Philip II of Spain
stopped in Abrantes for several days, and during his reign was responsible for the reconstruction of Abrantes' municipal buildings.
It was the seat of Portuguese marquesses, one of which was an early patron of the Brazilian-born versatile scientist, naturalist and pioneering inventor-aeronaut Bartholomeu Lourenço de Gusmão
.
During 1640, Abrantes was one of the first lands to declare their support for John IV of Portugal
. From the 17th and 18th centuries onwards, its ancient military importance was clarified, as it was used by Portuguese and foreign armies to garrison or concentrate their forces. The village of Abrantes was captured on 24 November 1807 by French general Jean-Andoche Junot
, who was awarded a ducal title for his victory by Napoleon I
in 1808, and used as base for further marshaling of French forces. In the Convention of Cintra (22 August 1808) the town was returned to the Portuguese.
During the reign of Joseph I (1750–1777) the village became the center of the silk industry, which prospered until 1800, designated the Academia Tubuciana.
In 1820, Abrantes supported the Liberal Revolution and celebrated the 1822 Constitution; although Miguel of Portugal
did find many supporters in the municipality, no outright manifestation of support occurred in light of the Vilafrancada. In November 1862, the Santerém-Abrantes lines was opened, and by March 1868, a bridge between Abrantes and Rossio to the southern Tagus region was well underway.
An active republican center, Abrantes was the place of preparatory meetings for the 5 October 1910 Revolution
, which may have contributed to the village's elevation to the status of city on 14 June 1916.
Abrantes lies in a central enclave within the Portuguese territory and a transition zone between the Ribatejo, Beira Baixa
and Alto Alentejo
. This location allowed development of a diversified culture, influenced by many cultures around it; Sardoal
and Vila de Rei
, to the north; Mação
and Gavião
, to the east; Ponte de Sôr and Chamusca
, in the south; and Constância
and Tomar
in the west. Abrantes is also located along many important road and rail links throughout the country, including the Madrid-Badajoz-Lisbon railway, being at the junction with the Guarda-Abrantes line, and the Lisbon-Porto access (the A23 and Beira Baixa roadways).
Abrantes commands the highway along the Tagus valley west from Belver
(in the municipality of Gavião
) until Constância
, occupying the crest of a hill covered with olive woods, gardens and vines; historically, the fortified town has been regarded as an important military position.
The municipality is also center of two major hydrological resources: the Tagus River, which cross the territory for 30 kilometers and the Albufeira
from Castelo do Bode.
It has dramatically grown since the early 20th century, from a base population of 7,255 in 1900, the population exceeded 41000 inhabitants in 2001.
Municipalities of Portugal
In Portugal, municipality or concelho is the most stable subdivision of Portugal since the foundation of the country.Portugal has an entirely separate system of cities and towns. Cities and towns are located in municipalities, but often do not have the same boundaries, even if built-up is continuous...
in Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
, with a population of 41,560 inhabitants, located on the southern margin of the Tagus River.
History
Latin
Latin is an Italic language originally spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. It, along with most European languages, is a descendant of the ancient Proto-Indo-European language. Although it is considered a dead language, a number of scholars and members of the Christian clergy speak it fluently, and...
Aurantes, perhaps because of the deposits of alluvial gold
Gold
Gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au and an atomic number of 79. Gold is a dense, soft, shiny, malleable and ductile metal. Pure gold has a bright yellow color and luster traditionally considered attractive, which it maintains without oxidizing in air or water. Chemically, gold is a...
(Latin: aurum), that settled along the Tagus. Similarly, Roman
Roman art
Roman art has the visual arts made in Ancient Rome, and in the territories of the Roman Empire. Major forms of Roman art are architecture, painting, sculpture and mosaic work...
mosaics, coins, the remains of ancient aqueducts, as well as other antiquities, have been discovered in the vicinity of Abrantes.
The village of Abrantes and its castle
Abrantes Castle
The Castle of Abrantes overlooks the city of Abrantes, in the municipality of Abrantes in the district of Santarém, Ribatejo, divided between the two civil parishes of São João and São Vicente...
were conquered from the Moors by Afonso Henriques in 1148. After 1172, Abrantes was a Spanish
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
military outpost, under the dominion of the Order of Saint James of Compostela. Later, it became a distinct order, when Pope Nicholas IV
Pope Nicholas IV
Pope Nicholas IV , born Girolamo Masci, was Pope from February 22, 1288 to April 4, 1292. A Franciscan friar, he had been legate to the Greeks under Pope Gregory X in 1272, succeeded Bonaventure as Minister General of his religious order in 1274, was made Cardinal Priest of Santa Prassede and...
(around 1290) released the Order from the jurisdiction of the Spanish grand master in Uclés
Uclés
Uclés is a municipality located in the province of Cuenca, Castile-La Mancha, Spain. According to the 2004 census , the municipality has a population of 287 inhabitants....
. It received its municipal foral
Foral
thumb|left|200px|Foral of Castro Verde - PortugalThe word foral derives from the Portuguese word foro, ultimately from Latin forum, equivalent to Spanish fuero, Galician foro, Catalan furs and Basque foru ....
in 1179, in compensation for its resistance against the Morrocan Abem Jacob. Its creation in 1179, was based on the concelhos perfeitos ("perfect municipality") model; they were formed on the specific day that settlers were invited to populate them; the administrative regime, the organization of the municipal authority and geographic distribution were planned as part of system of populated uninhabited lands, and extending the political influence of the Kingdom. In 1173, the region, including its castle
Abrantes Castle
The Castle of Abrantes overlooks the city of Abrantes, in the municipality of Abrantes in the district of Santarém, Ribatejo, divided between the two civil parishes of São João and São Vicente...
, were donated to the Order of Saint James of the Sword). Its geography contributed to the colonization:
On 24 April 1281, King Dinis of Portugal, conceded the ownership of Abrantes to Queen Elizabeth of Aragon
Elizabeth of Aragon
Elizabeth of Aragon, also known as Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, T.O.S.F. , was queen consort of Portugal, a tertiary of the Franciscan Order and is venerated as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church.-Biography:Elizabeth was a descendant of one of the most powerful families in Europe:...
.
Afonso IV of Portugal
Afonso IV of Portugal
Afonso IV , called the Brave , was the seventh king of Portugal and the Algarve from 1325 until his death. He was the only legitimate son of King Denis of Portugal by his wife Elizabeth of Aragon.-Biography:...
transferred the title of the religious parish to the Knights Hospitaller
Knights Hospitaller
The Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta , also known as the Sovereign Military Order of Malta , Order of Malta or Knights of Malta, is a Roman Catholic lay religious order, traditionally of military, chivalrous, noble nature. It is the world's...
, in 1327, and donated Abrantes to Leonor Teles. Partners of the Master of Avis, the Abrantinos were one of the first to support the Lisboete movement of 1383, among them Fernando Álvares de Almeida, protector of the Casa de Abrantes.
King Manuel
Manuel I of Portugal
Manuel I , the Fortunate , 14th king of Portugal and the Algarves was the son of Infante Ferdinand, Duke of Viseu, , by his wife, Infanta Beatrice of Portugal...
remained in Abrantes for a long period; by 1510 he conceded a new foral to the town; and his children, the Infantes Fernando and Luís were born in Abrantes. During the 16th century, Abrantes and its religious parish was one of the largest and more populous lands in the Kingdom, with 3,436 inhabitants, four convents and 13 chapels or churches within its frontiers.
In 1581, in his dislocation to Tomar
Tomar
Tomar Municipality has a total area of 351.0 km² and a total population of 43,007 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of 16 parishes, and is located in Santarém District...
, Philip II of Spain
Philip II of Spain
Philip II was King of Spain, Portugal, Naples, Sicily, and, while married to Mary I, King of England and Ireland. He was lord of the Seventeen Provinces from 1556 until 1581, holding various titles for the individual territories such as duke or count....
stopped in Abrantes for several days, and during his reign was responsible for the reconstruction of Abrantes' municipal buildings.
It was the seat of Portuguese marquesses, one of which was an early patron of the Brazilian-born versatile scientist, naturalist and pioneering inventor-aeronaut Bartholomeu Lourenço de Gusmão
Bartolomeu de Gusmão
Bartolomeu Lourenço de Gusmão , was a priest and naturalist born in the then Portuguese colony of Brazil, noted for his early work on lighter-than-air airship design....
.
During 1640, Abrantes was one of the first lands to declare their support for John IV of Portugal
John IV of Portugal
|-|John IV was the King of Portugal and the Algarves from 1640 to his death. He was the grandson of Catherine, Duchess of Braganza, who had in 1580 claimed the Portuguese crown and sparked the struggle for the throne of Portugal. John was nicknamed John the Restorer...
. From the 17th and 18th centuries onwards, its ancient military importance was clarified, as it was used by Portuguese and foreign armies to garrison or concentrate their forces. The village of Abrantes was captured on 24 November 1807 by French general Jean-Andoche Junot
Jean-Andoche Junot
Jean-Andoche Junot, 1st Duke of Abrantès was a French general during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.-Early life:...
, who was awarded a ducal title for his victory by Napoleon I
Napoleon I
Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader during the latter stages of the French Revolution.As Napoleon I, he was Emperor of the French from 1804 to 1815...
in 1808, and used as base for further marshaling of French forces. In the Convention of Cintra (22 August 1808) the town was returned to the Portuguese.
During the reign of Joseph I (1750–1777) the village became the center of the silk industry, which prospered until 1800, designated the Academia Tubuciana.
In 1820, Abrantes supported the Liberal Revolution and celebrated the 1822 Constitution; although Miguel of Portugal
Miguel of Portugal
Dom Miguel I, sometimes Michael , was the King of Portugal between 1828 and 1834, the seventh child and second son of King John VI and his queen, Charlotte of Spain....
did find many supporters in the municipality, no outright manifestation of support occurred in light of the Vilafrancada. In November 1862, the Santerém-Abrantes lines was opened, and by March 1868, a bridge between Abrantes and Rossio to the southern Tagus region was well underway.
An active republican center, Abrantes was the place of preparatory meetings for the 5 October 1910 Revolution
5 October 1910 revolution
The revolution of 1910 was a republican coup d'état that occurred in Portugal on 5 October 1910, which deposed King Manuel II and established the Portuguese First Republic....
, which may have contributed to the village's elevation to the status of city on 14 June 1916.
Physical geography
Beira Baixa Province
Beira Baixa was a Portuguese province. It was abolished with the Constitution of 1976.-Municipalities:The 13 municipalities in the province:*Belmonte - Castelo Branco District - Cova da Beira Subregion...
and Alto Alentejo
Alto Alentejo Province
Alto Alentejo was a Portuguese province. It was abolished with the Constitution of 1976.The area is now covered by Alto Alentejo Subregion and Alentejo Central Subregion.-Municipalities:*Alandroal Municipality*Alter do Chão Municipality...
. This location allowed development of a diversified culture, influenced by many cultures around it; Sardoal
Sardoal
Sardoal is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 92.2 km² and a total population of 3,992 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of 4 parishes, and is located in the district of Santarém....
and Vila de Rei
Vila de Rei
Vila de Rei is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 191.3 km² and a total population of 3,354 inhabitants. The municipality is composed of three parishes and is located in the district of Castelo Branco....
, to the north; Mação
Mação
Mação is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 400.0 km² and a total population of 7,763 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of eight parishes, and is located in the Santarém District....
and Gavião
Gavião
-Portugal:* Gavião Municipality, a municipality in district of Portalegre* Gavião , a civil parish in the municipality of Gavião* Gavião , a civil parish in the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão-Other:* Gavião language...
, to the east; Ponte de Sôr and Chamusca
Chamusca
Chamusca is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 746.0 km² and a total population of 11,313 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of 7 parishes, and is located in Santarém District....
, in the south; and Constância
Constância
Constância is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 80.4 km² and a total population of 3796 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of 3 parishes, and is located in Santarém District....
and Tomar
Tomar
Tomar Municipality has a total area of 351.0 km² and a total population of 43,007 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of 16 parishes, and is located in Santarém District...
in the west. Abrantes is also located along many important road and rail links throughout the country, including the Madrid-Badajoz-Lisbon railway, being at the junction with the Guarda-Abrantes line, and the Lisbon-Porto access (the A23 and Beira Baixa roadways).
Abrantes commands the highway along the Tagus valley west from Belver
Belver (Gavião)
Belver is a Portuguese civil parish in the municipality of Gavião, district of Portalegre. The population in 2001 was 900, which covered an area of 69.83 km², along the northern margin of the Tagus River.-Geography:...
(in the municipality of Gavião
Gavião
-Portugal:* Gavião Municipality, a municipality in district of Portalegre* Gavião , a civil parish in the municipality of Gavião* Gavião , a civil parish in the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão-Other:* Gavião language...
) until Constância
Constância
Constância is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 80.4 km² and a total population of 3796 inhabitants.The municipality is composed of 3 parishes, and is located in Santarém District....
, occupying the crest of a hill covered with olive woods, gardens and vines; historically, the fortified town has been regarded as an important military position.
The municipality is also center of two major hydrological resources: the Tagus River, which cross the territory for 30 kilometers and the Albufeira
Albufeira
Albufeira is a Portuguese municipality in the Faro District, Algarve region. Its name came from the Arabic: البحيرة . The city has a population of 13,646. The municipality has a population of 35,281 inhabitants and a total area of 140.6 km²...
from Castelo do Bode.
Human geography
Administratively, the municipality is divided into 19 civil parishes (), responsible for local area development and administration of services:- Aldeia do MatoAldeia do MatoAldeia do Mato is a Portuguese civil parish, located in the municipality of Abrantes, in Santarém District. In 2001, the parish had about 560 inhabitants and an area of 31.4 km² Aldeia do Mato is a Portuguese civil parish, located in the municipality of Abrantes, in Santarém District. In 2001,...
- historically a hinterland of forests (it was a place where locals gathered wood), today it is an area of small hamlets focused on the rivers, and affected by the seasonal activities around the Parque Náutico de Recreio e Lazer da Aldeia do Mato, a recreational park and summer retreat; - AlferraredeAlferraredeAlferrarede is a Portuguese civil parish, located in the municipality of Abrantes, in Santarém District, with a population of 3831 inhabitants dispersed within an area of 23.62 km²; it is the eleventh largest parish, third largest population centre and fifth largest population...
- a Roman centre linked to the extraction of iron; the location of iron mines, that have yet to be rediscovered - AlvegaAlvegaAlvega is a Portuguese parish, located in the municipality of Abrantes, in Santarém District. It stands on the left bank of the river Tagus. The parish has a population of 1,729 inhabitants and a total area of 56.44 km²....
- BempostaBemposta (Abrantes)Bemposta is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 2,252 inhabitants and a total area of 187.73 km²....
- CarvalhalCarvalhal (Abrantes)Carvalhal is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 1,006 inhabitants and a total area of 17.45 km² ....
- ConcavadaConcavadaConcavada is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 734 inhabitants and a total area of 19.89 km²....
- FontesFontes (Abrantes)Fontes is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 819 inhabitants and a total area of 28.48 km²....
- MartinchelMartinchelMartinchel is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 713 inhabitants and a total area of 17.10 km²....
- MouriscasMouriscasMouriscas is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 1,946 inhabitants and a total area of 34.98 km²....
- PegoPego (Abrantes)Pego is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 2,570 inhabitants and a total area of 36.08 km². The parish is the fifth most populous in the municipality....
- Rio de MoinhosRio de Moinhos (Abrantes)Rio de Moinhos is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 1388 inhabitants and a total area of 20.06 km²....
- Rossio ao Sul do TejoRossio ao Sul do TejoRossio ao Sul do Tejo is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, Santarém District. It stands on the left bank of the Tagus River. The parish has a population of 2,227 inhabitants and a total area of ....
- São FacundoSão FacundoSão Facundo is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 1,133 inhabitants and a total area of 77.93 km²....
- São JoãoSão João (Abrantes)São João, or São João Baptista, is a Portuguese civil parish, located in the municipality of Abrantes, in Santarém District. It is one of the three parishes that make-up the urbanized area of the city...
- the historical centre (nucleus of the castro structure that would be the base for the construction of the first settlement) and municipal seat of the municipality of Abrantes; - São Miguel do Rio TortoSão Miguel do Rio TortoSão Miguel do Rio Torto is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. It stands on the left bank of the Tagus River...
- São VicenteSão Vicente (Abrantes)São Vicente is a Portuguese civil parish, located in municipality of Abrantes, in the older Santarém District, and which includes the northern part of the city of Abrantes...
- dedicated to Saint VincentVincent of SaragossaSaint Vincent of Saragossa, also known as Vincent Martyr, Vincent of Huesca or Vincent the Deacon, is the patron saint of Lisbon. His feast day is 22 January in the Roman Catholic Church and Anglican Communion and 11 November in the Eastern Orthodox Churches...
, this parish is the principal nucleus of the city of Abrantes, with the main religious congregation and urban core; - SoutoSouto (Abrantes)Souto is a Portuguese civil parish located in the municipality of Abrantes, in the old district of Santarém in central Portugal. In 2001, the parish had a population of 567 inhabitants, spread across an area of 15.02 km².-History:...
- TramagalTramagalTramagal is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 4,043 and a total area of 24.06 km². The parish is the second-most populous in the municipality....
- Vale das MósVale das MósVale das Mós is a Portuguese parish, located in Abrantes Municipality, in Santarém District. The parish has a population of 747 inhabitants and a total area of 23.42 km²....
It has dramatically grown since the early 20th century, from a base population of 7,255 in 1900, the population exceeded 41000 inhabitants in 2001.