Mêda
The municipality of Meda has an approximate area of 296 km2 and encompasses 16 parishes, with a population of around 8 000 inhabitants. Because it is in a mountainous area of transition between the Planalto Beirão and Alto Douro, the landscapes are diverse and alternate between granite hills and spontaneous woods, almond trees, leafy pine forests and fertile valleys, in which rivers one can fish eels and barbs. The human occupation of this region dates back to the Paleolithic, as it can be attested by the traces of dolmens found in the parishes of Aveloso, Longroiva, Prova and Ranhados. From the Neolithic reached us the recent findings of Vale do Mouro, where also important Roman architectural and economic spoils have been found. These people left numerous marks throughout the county. Among the pre-Roman peoples that have been conquered, are the Aravos in the area of Marialva, the Longobritas in Longroiva, the Meidubrigenses in Meda and the Arabs also settled here until 1065, after a brief stay of the Suebi and Visigoths. The beginnings of nationality and the time of the Reconquest brought a rich architectural and historical heritage, with emphasis on the castles of Longroiva, Ranhados and Marialva, an ancient medieval village and today considered an historical village, and the important pillories scattered throughout the municipality, among others. King Manuel I granted a charter to the village of Meda in 1519, and the county, with only a parish at the time, received successive decrees that have integrated the current parishes. Its present configuration is about 154 years old. From such a vast historical heritage also resulted the richness and diversity of local crafts, with emphasis on the figures of saints, vases and jars of clay, linen bedspreads, fleece blankets and works in carpentry, basket weaving and stone masonry. The cuisine also conserves much of the ancestral wisdom, which can be enjoyed in dishes like sopa de beldroegas (purslane soup), caldo de cebola (onion broth), omeleta de espargos (asparagus omelet), bacalhau com leite (cod with milk) or arroz de pombo bravo (stock dove rice), in addition to the delicious regional sweets.
What to do in Mêda
Travel Guide
Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions
Historical Villages: 12 Treasures to Discover in Portugal
Located in the countryside, these villages preserve a vast and very rich historical and patrimonial legacy. There are c…
Where to eat in Mêda
Portuguese
7.00 €
Espaço simples e familiar, cuja especialidade é o frango no churrasco.
Portuguese, Regional
12.00 €
O Restaurante O Retiro, em Mêda, já vai na segunda geração e orgulha-se de praticar uma cozinha de …
Where to sleep in Mêda
Casas do Côro are situated in the heart of Marialva, one of the most important historical villages of Portugal. Against the Castle and with a unique framework,…
O Longroiva Hotel Rural é um local de charme onde ruralidade, inovação e bom gosto encontram uma simbiose perfeita. Com 32 quartos duplos, 2 suites e 10 acolhe…
Rural tourism unit located in a large and nice farmhouse that belonged to the Knights of the order of the temple. Offers eight rooms decorated with refinement,…
Near Mêda
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