Angueira
Encyclopedia
Angueira is a civil parish
in the municipality
of Vimioso
, continental Portugal
, which comprises an area of 22.18 km² near the north-west corner of the traditional district of Bragança. In 2001, the population of this rural community was approximately 162 inhabitants (in a dispersed density of 7.3 inhabitants/km²).
This early history is marked by a community of several chapels, the one to São Miguel, as legend suggests, was founded by a former general, who turned hermit (and was later buried at the door of the temple).
, bordered in the north by the parishes of Avelanoso, west by Vale de Frades, south by Caçarelhos, and east by the municipality of Miranda do Douro
. The parish is connected with its neighbours by main roads that intersect in the village, and link it to São Joanico, Caçarelhos, Avelanoso and Spain, by the asphalted Três Marras roadway. Crossed by the river of the same name, the main settlement of Angueira is located in the centre of this parish, occupying a small portion of a an covered in pasturelands and forests, on the right margin of the Angueira River, in a shallow valley. The river is Angueira's ex-libris central attraction, a meandering course that bisects the parish, yet attracts locals and tourists throughout the year.
) and civil construction, in addition to hunting. The local Associação de Caçadores (Huntsmen Association) has promoted hunting in this region; known for its natural ecosystem that supports rabbit, partridge and quail, the Association, has in the past helped stock species for game hunting. At one time the waters of the Angueira River were popular destinations for fisherman hoping to catch abundant langoustine, principally from Spain.
In addition to the religious architecture, Angueira still preserves examples of the castro culture
, which at one time supported the Moors, or pre-dates their period. In addition, springs, such as the Fonte Santa, known for local healing properties or "miracles" that may have occurred from the fresh waters. The local government has gone so far as to requalify the area around Fonta Santa, in order to attract further eco-friendly investments in the area. Related to these changes has also been the attempted preservation of local grist mills; yet, issues associated with local property rights have made attempts for full conservation complicated.
, Carnival
, Easter
and traditional Dia do folar (first Monday of Easter), All Saints Day and summer festival.
Civil parish
In England, a civil parish is a territorial designation and, where they are found, the lowest tier of local government below districts and counties...
in the municipality
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
of Vimioso
Vimioso
Vimioso is a municipality in the northern part of Portugal with an area of approximately 481.6 km² and population of 5105 inhabitants.-Geography:The municipality is composed of 14 parishes and is located in the district of Bragança....
, continental 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...
, which comprises an area of 22.18 km² near the north-west corner of the traditional district of Bragança. In 2001, the population of this rural community was approximately 162 inhabitants (in a dispersed density of 7.3 inhabitants/km²).
History
Until 1853, Angueira was part of the extinct municipality of Outeiro.This early history is marked by a community of several chapels, the one to São Miguel, as legend suggests, was founded by a former general, who turned hermit (and was later buried at the door of the temple).
Geography
Angueira is located near the Portuguese frontier with Spain, in the northwest corner of the municipality of VimiosoVimioso
Vimioso is a municipality in the northern part of Portugal with an area of approximately 481.6 km² and population of 5105 inhabitants.-Geography:The municipality is composed of 14 parishes and is located in the district of Bragança....
, bordered in the north by the parishes of Avelanoso, west by Vale de Frades, south by Caçarelhos, and east by the municipality of Miranda do Douro
Miranda do Douro
Miranda do Douro or Miranda de l Douro , is a city in Miranda do Douro Municipality, district of Bragança, Portugal.The city has a population of 1,960.-General information:...
. The parish is connected with its neighbours by main roads that intersect in the village, and link it to São Joanico, Caçarelhos, Avelanoso and Spain, by the asphalted Três Marras roadway. Crossed by the river of the same name, the main settlement of Angueira is located in the centre of this parish, occupying a small portion of a an covered in pasturelands and forests, on the right margin of the Angueira River, in a shallow valley. The river is Angueira's ex-libris central attraction, a meandering course that bisects the parish, yet attracts locals and tourists throughout the year.
Economy
A rural community, the residents are primarily involved in agricultural activities (supporting the raising of cattle, sheep and goats, owing to the rich pasturelands), although commercial businesses are located in the centre. Included in these activities is apiculture, fishing (mainly threadfinThreadfin
Threadfins are silvery grey perciform marine fish of the family Polynemidae. Found in tropical to subtropical waters throughout the world, the threadfin family contains nine genera and 33 species...
) and civil construction, in addition to hunting. The local Associação de Caçadores (Huntsmen Association) has promoted hunting in this region; known for its natural ecosystem that supports rabbit, partridge and quail, the Association, has in the past helped stock species for game hunting. At one time the waters of the Angueira River were popular destinations for fisherman hoping to catch abundant langoustine, principally from Spain.
Religious
- Chapel of Santo Cristo
- Chapel of São Sebastião
- Chapel of São Miguel
- Church of São Cipriano
In addition to the religious architecture, Angueira still preserves examples of the castro culture
Castro culture
Castro culture is the archaeological term for naming the Celtic archaeological culture of the northwestern regions of the Iberian Peninsula from the end of the Bronze Age until it was subsumed in local Roman culture...
, which at one time supported the Moors, or pre-dates their period. In addition, springs, such as the Fonte Santa, known for local healing properties or "miracles" that may have occurred from the fresh waters. The local government has gone so far as to requalify the area around Fonta Santa, in order to attract further eco-friendly investments in the area. Related to these changes has also been the attempted preservation of local grist mills; yet, issues associated with local property rights have made attempts for full conservation complicated.
Culture
Much like other villages in the Trás-os-Montas, Agueira is richly associated with festival, both religious and secular. Celebrations mark Christmas, the EpiphanyEpiphany
Epiphany may refer to:* Epiphany , a Christian holiday on January 6 celebrating the visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus* Epiphany , a sudden realization of great truth...
, Carnival
Carnival
Carnaval is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during February. Carnaval typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus, mask and public street party...
, Easter
Easter
Easter is the central feast in the Christian liturgical year. According to the Canonical gospels, Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion. His resurrection is celebrated on Easter Day or Easter Sunday...
and traditional Dia do folar (first Monday of Easter), All Saints Day and summer festival.