Vila Real

In 2001 urban Vila Real had an approximate population of 25,000 in three parishes (S. Dinis, S. Pedro e Nossa Senhora da Conceição) while the Municipality had 49,589 inhabitants and 30 parishes in. There has been a slight population increase since the last census of 1991.

It has a spectacular location between the gorges of the Corgo and the Cabril Rivers. The Marão and the Alvão mountains overlook the city on the west side. An iron bridge crosses the Corgo linking the old town with the new one. Just outside the city itself, by the road leading to Alijó, is located the Mateus Palace, designed by the Italian Nazoni, author of the Clérigos Tower in Porto.

In the city there is a state university called Universidade de Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro. Its forestry and winemaking courses have wide national recognition. There are several primary schools in addition to three secondary schools. There is also a private Catholic primary school.

A narrow gauge railway connects the city with Peso da Régua by the Douro River. The railroad going north to Chaves was discontinued in the nineteen eighties.

East-west highway connections are made with Porto and Bragança through the IP4. North-south connections are made with Chaves and Viseu through the IP3. The section linking Peso da Régua has already been completed and is open to traffic.

Recently the city has undergone major improvements in urban renewal with funds from the Polis Program. A park with sports facilities and walking paths have been built along the river and the main square where the city hall is located has been closed to traffic and decorated with colorful fountains. A major shopping center, the largest in the region of Trás os Montes, was inaugurated in 2005.

[edit] Airport

The aerodrome is small but has airline service with Aerocondor to Braganca and Cascais.

[edit] Gallery

City Hall square

[edit] External links

Photos from Vila Real

Municipalities of the District of Vila Real
Alijó \| Boticas \| Chaves \| Mesão Frio \| Mondim de Basto \| Montalegre \| Murça \| Peso da Régua Ribeira de Pena \| Sabrosa \| Santa Marta de Penaguião \| Valpaços \| Vila Pouca de Aguiar \| Vila Real