Aldeia do Mato explained

Type:parish
Aldeia do Mato
Region:Oeste e Vale do Tejo
Cim:Médio Tejo
District:Santarém
Municipality:Abrantes
Coordinates:39.5422°N -8.2717°W
Area Total Km2:31.68
Population As Of:2011
Population Total:441
Postal Code:2200-601
Area Code:241
Patron:Santa Maria Madalena
Dissolved:2013

Aldeia do Mato is a former freguesia ("civil parish"), located in the municipality of Abrantes, in Santarém District, Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the new parish Aldeia do Mato e Souto.[1] The population in 2011 was 441,[2] in an area of 31.68 km².[3]

History

The parish had its beginning in the 13th century, when the area was then referred to as Aldeia da Mata, and recognized for the quantity of wood gathered in the district (aldeia da mata is Portuguese for hamlet of the hinterland). It was also recognized for the land rents obtained from cultivation and harvesting of olive and pine trees.

The parochial church, dedicated to Santa Maria Madalena had its origin in the 18th century.

A marble cross was located near the two fountains of São João and São José, and later restored in 1850.

The construction of the Barregem do Castelo do Bode (Castelo do Bode Dam) in 1951, caused the disappearance of the fields of olive trees which were lost to make way for the new reservoir.

Geography

The parish is located in the northeastern part of the municipality, neighboring the parishes of Souto (to the northeast and east), Martinchel (to the west), São Vicente (in the east) and Rio de Moinhos (along the west) and with the municipalities of Tomar (to the north) and Constância (to the east). It contains the localities Aldeia do Mato, Bairros Cimeiro, Cabeça Gorda, Carreira do Mato, Casinha, Fundeiro, Medroa, Pucariça, Vale de Chões and Vale Manso.

Ecoregions/Protected areas

Economy

Between 50-60 percent of the lands in the parish remain dedicated to cultivation of trees for harvesting, primarily pine but gradually eucalyptus, for its rapid growth.

Architecture

Civic

Religious

Culture

The region is known for its culinary; in addition to several restaurants, the local peoples of the region are known for their broas de santos and bolo de fugas.

Locally, the annual festival season is marked by the festival of Aldeia do Mato (on the last weekend of July), Cabeça Gorda (the second weekend of August), and the festival of Carreira do Mato (fourth weekend in August).

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Law nr. 11-A/2013, pages 552 4. 4 July 2014. Diário da República. Diário da República. Portuguese.
  2. http://www.ine.pt/xportal/xmain?xlang=en&xpid=INE&xpgid=ine_indicadores&indOcorrCod=0005889&contexto=pi&selTab=tab0 Instituto Nacional de Estatística
  3. http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/portal/page/portal/nuts_nomenclature/documents/PT-LAU.xls Eurostat