In the heart of Trás-os-Montes there is a village that seems to challenge logic. Seen in the distance, it gives the impression of emerging from the water, as if born from the surrounding reservoir. In addition to the unique landscape, it also keeps secular stories, stone traditions and the mark of a heritage that survived isolation and time.
We are talking about Vilarinho de Negrões, in Montalegre, a unique village that appears to be born from the waters of Alto Rabagão and today has become one of the most photogenic destinations in the region.
Between narrow streets, granite houses and the calm calm, the place retains the essence of a community that lived on agriculture and human ingenuity. At the same time, the natural framing, between mountains and reflexes of water, made it in a destination that fascinates those who pass by.
Between water and memory
According to the municipality of Montalegre, the village stands near Albufeira do Alto Rabagão, a dam completed in 1964. It is this location that gives it the unique appearance of “floating” over the water mirror, creating one of the most photographed panoramas in the region.
Nearly found the traditional granite canastros, used to store cereals, and archaeological traces that have proven human presence since ancient times. Black, Vilarinho and Lamachã Castros are some examples of this inheritance.
Stories of those who lived there
Writes the ekonomist that one of the names associated with the village is Father Domingos Pereira, known as Father Guerrilla. Participated in the Northern Monarchy, he was involved in fighting in Cabeceiras, Mirandela and Vila Real, and left his mark in the political history of the region.
But it is in the present that the village reveals another type of life: crest diving and other waterfowl take advantage of milder winters to occupy the reservoir, making the place at a point of interest to those who like to observe nature.
What cannot lose
In the center of the village, Gothic -style St. Bartolomeu Church is one of the historic marks to visit. In the surroundings, the Alto Rabagão dam offers wide views on the saw, while the chicken plant, hidden between hills, invites a quiet pause.
Following trails with Riachos, old water mills, a reminder of human ingenuity in agricultural work.
Around
Montalegre is a mandatory passage for those visiting this village. The castle, which began in 1270, served as a border defense against Castile and today is a national monument. The Velha Ponte, also called Roman, is another testimony of the long history of the village.
Later, already in Vila Real, Ribeira de Pena stands out for the religious heritage and the production of Vinho Verde, Corn and Linen.
Flavors of the region
According to the local cuisine is part of the experience. Near the dam, the Albufeira restaurant is known for the Portuguese cooked and homemade desserts. In Montalegre, Dias Restaurant is famous for the Barrosã meat and the octopus to Lagareiro, dishes accompanied by green wine from the region.
A different destination
Between tradition and landscape, the transmontane village that “floats” over water is a must -see discovery. A place where nature and history meet and where each stone tells a piece of life of past centuries.
Also read:
