Vila Nova De Gaia History, Portugal

Vila Nova de Gaia, one of the municipalities of Portugal, existed as early as the Roman occupation. The municipality was established based on the development of settled agriculture and the use of polished stone and weapons. It stood as the city of Cale or Gale (the letters “c” and “g” have no difference in Classical Latin). The word “Cale” is an Indo-European language which came from “Gall” pertaining to the people who were born in ancient Gaul (a region of Western Europe). Other facts on Vila Nova de Gaia History are as follows:

Vila Nova de Gaia History – Its Link to Porto

Douro is the river that rises in North Central Spain and flows across Spain and Northern Portugal reaching the Atlantic Ocean near Oporto. The majority of the inhabitants during the Roman times lived at the southern part of Douro while come occupied the northern side.

During the primitive time of Portus Cale, the name Porto stood as the port for Cale. It became a highly significant part of the city because of the essential trade within the river of Douro. The river is passable by ship and is deep and wide enough to allow these vessels to sail across to Régua deep inland. This characteristic of the river made it significant to trade. This also made Porto grow extensive covering the area of Cale. The bishop’s diocese and merchants were set up in this area.

Vila Nova de Gaia History – Under the Moorish Invasions

The raid on the architectural structure of the 8th century broke the existing international border between the Islamic and Christian states. This happened in the year 1000 and took over Douro for a significant span of time. The continuous Moorish invasions abandoned the town of Gaia and drove its people to go to Porto for protection.

Vila Nova de Gaia History - The City and Its Role in Portugal’s Independence

After the invasion and mollification of the south of Douro River in 1035, immigrants from the north established feudal agreements with newly selected lords. This was done because the Muslim population was evicted and semi-deserted fertile lands were left behind. The populations from the northern part of the river reestablished the old Cale city and changed it to the new town known as Vila Nova de Gaia.

Villa de Portucale is usually used in modern papers to pertain to the cities of Oporto and Gaia while the name Condado Portucalense is given to the Kingdom of Leon located at the center around the double city. The county ultimately developed leading to the formation and independence of the Kingdom of Portugal.

To this day, Vila Nova de Gaia History shows details on the success of the city. Aside from this area, there are other areas in the country responsible for Portugal’s independence. Details can be read through Santa Maria Travel Guide and Lisbon History.