Viana do Castelo

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Viana do Castelo
Flag of Viana do Castelo
Municipal flag
Coat of arms of Viana do Castelo
Municipal coat of arms
Location of Viana do Castelo
Location  
 - Country Portugal  
 - Region Norte
 - Subregion Minho-Lima
 - District or A.R. Viana do Castelo
Mayor Defensor Moura
 - Party PS
Area 318.6 km²
Population
 - Total 90,654
 - Density 285/km²
No. of parishes 40
Coordinates 41º42'N 8º50'W
Municipal holiday
August 20
Website: http://www.cm-viana-castelo.pt

Viana do Castelo (pron. IPA [vi'ɐnɐ du kɐʃ'tɛlu]) is a city and a municipality, seat of the district of Viana do Castelo, in Norte region, Portugal.

The municipality has a total population of 90,654 inhabitants and a total area of 318.6.

Contents

[edit] History

Founded by king Afonso III in the 13th century. In the 16th century its port gained great importance due to the discoveries, and the most remarkable buildings are from those days. Its traditional folklore is among the richest in the country.

[edit] Parishes

  • Afife
  • Alvarães
  • Amonde
  • Anha
  • Areosa (Viana do Castelo)
  • Barroselas
  • Cardielos
  • Carreço
  • Carvoeiro
  • Castelo do Neiva
  • Chafé
  • Darque (Viana do Castelo)
  • Dão
  • Deocriste
  • Freixieiro de Soutelo
  • Lanheses
  • Mazarefes
  • Meadela (Viana do Castelo)
  • Meixedo
  • Monserrate (Viana do Castelo)
  • Montaria
  • Moreira de Geraz do Lima
  • Mujães
  • Neiva
  • Nogueira
  • Outeiro
  • Perre
  • Portela Susã
  • Santa Marta de Portuzelo
  • Santa Leocádia de Geraz do Lima
  • Santa Maria de Geraz do Lima
  • Santa Maria Maior (Viana do Castelo)
  • Serreleis
  • Subportela
  • Torre
  • Vila de Punhe
  • Vila Franca
  • Vila Fria
  • Vila Mou
  • Vilar de Murteda

[edit] Economy

The city has a seaport with naval repairing facilities. Its major industry is naval construction. Its shipyard is the only one still working in Portugal.

[edit] Coat of Arms and Flag

Viana do Castelo: the city
Viana do Castelo: the city

The coat of arms includes a ship over the sea and a golden castle with three towers on top of a blue-colored shield. The flag color is black and yellow. It is ordered yellow to black from the top clockwise four times.

[edit] Sites of interest

Castelo do Neiva, the castle has been owned by the parish of Viana do Castelo since the beginning of the 19th century.

[edit] External links


 
Municipalities of the District of Viana do Castelo
Flag of Portugal
Arcos de Valdevez | Caminha | Melgaço | Monção | Paredes de Coura | Ponte da Barca | Ponte de Lima | Valença | Viana do Castelo | Vila Nova de Cerveira