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Places to See Centro de Portugal Castelo Novo
Places to See Centro de Portugal Castelo Novo | Castelo Novo |
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Castelo
Novo lies in the superb natural amphitheatre of the Serra da Gardunha.
The region is characterised by fine manor houses belonging to local
noble families. The village of Castelo Novo takes its name from its 12th century castle, which was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1755. It was called ‘new’ due to the existence of another abandoned fort nearby, a structure not deemed adequate for military defence. The medieval town hall in the Largo da Bica has various curious features, in particular a fine 18th century baroque fountain, topped with king D. João V’s coat of arms. The simple medieval structure itself has a formal façade of granite. Behind the town hall - like a protective, watchful sentry - is the old castle donjon. Deprived of its military functions, it now acts as a giant sun dial, indicating the time to the population of the village. Another intriguing feature of ancient village life is is the Lagariça, an enormous tank cut into the rock, where for centuries grapes were trodden to make wine for the villagers.  |
Contact Us:
00 351 913 591 282
or
00 351 282 417 463
(office hours)
00 351 913 591 282
or
00 351 282 417 463
(office hours)
| Capital (and largest city) |
Lisbon 38°46′N, 9°11′W |
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| Official languages | Portuguese | |
|---|---|---|
| Recognised regional languages | Mirandese | |
| Demonym | Portuguese | |
| Government | Parliamentary republic | |
| - | President | Aníbal Cavaco Silva |
| - | Prime Minister | José Sócrates |
| Formation | June 24, 1128 | |
| - | Founding of the First County of Portugal | 868 |
| - | Battle of São Mamede | June 24, 1128 |
| - | Kingdom | 25 July 1139 |
| - | Recognized | 5 October 1143 |
| - | Republic | 5 October 1910 |
| - | Carnation Revolution | 25 April 1974 |
| EU accession | 1 January 1986 | |
| Area | ||
| - | Total | 92,345 km² (110th) 35,580 sq mi |
| - | Water (%) | 0.5 |
| Population | ||
| - | July 2007 estimate | 10,848,692 (75th) |
| - | 2001 census | 10,148,259 |
| - | Density | 114/km² (87th) 295/sq mi |
| GDP (PPP) | 2006 estimate | |
| - | Total | $229.881 billion (40th) |
| - | Per capita | $23,464 (2007) (34th) |
| HDI (2005) | ▼ 0.897 (high) (29th) | |
| Currency | Euro (€) (EUR) | |
| Time zone | WET | |
| - | Summer (DST) | WEST (UTC0) |
| Internet TLD | .pt | |
| Calling code | +351 | |