The Roman Bridge

Coat of Arms

Chaves, Portugal, is the second most populous city in the district of Vila Real, after the district capital of the same name. It is located 12 km. south of the Spanish border, just 22 km south of Verín. The district capital, Vila Real, is 60 km south on National Highway 02. Image File history File links Chavesromanbridge. ... Image File history File links Chavesromanbridge. ... Image File history File links CHV.png Crest of Chaves municipality (Portugal) Author: Sérgio Horta The author has agreed to usage of his works under the GNU-FDL, as long as he is quoted as the source: Caro Senhor, Manuel Anastácio File links The following pages link to... Image File history File links CHV.png Crest of Chaves municipality (Portugal) Author: Sérgio Horta The author has agreed to usage of his works under the GNU-FDL, as long as he is quoted as the source: Caro Senhor, Manuel Anastácio File links The following pages link to... Vila-real (also known as Villarreal): city in the province of Castellon, Valencian Community region, Spain. ... Verín is a Spanish town of about 7,000 inhabitants located in the province of Ourense, Autonomous Community of Galicia, 80 kilometers east of the provincial capital of Ourense. ... Vila-real (also known as Villarreal): city in the province of Castellon, Valencian Community region, Spain. ...

The population of the concelho of Chaves was 40,000 in the 2001 census, with the urban area having approximately 15,000 people. The town has always had great historical importance, being the site of an important Roman garrison and later being in the forefront of resistance during the Napoleonic invasions of the early nineteenth century. In Portuguese military history Chaves is especially famous for two battles: the siege of Chaves by French forces in 1807 and the Royalist attack on Chaves in 1912. Ancient Rome was a civilization that existed in Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East between 753 BC and its downfall in AD 476. ... For other uses, see Napoleon (disambiguation). ... The Siege of Chaves refers to the French siege of Chaves, Portugal in 1808 and the subsequent recapture of the town by Portuguese forces. ... The following article refers to the pro-Royalist attack on Chaves, Portugal in 1912. ...

Chaves is a town of fortifications. There is the keep of a medieval castle and ruins of two forts, Forte São Francisco and Forte São Neutel, both built in the 17th century. The original Roman bridge in Chaves crossing the Tamega still stands with its stone arches and is the most important tourist site of the town. The hot springs of Chaves have been famous since Roman times and today many people come to the town to take the water cure. Photo by J.B. Cesar Chaves is unique in Portugal in that it still has a Roman bridge in relatively good shape crossing the river and uniting the two most important parishes in the town. ... Tâmega at dusk (photo by Tulia Vogensen) The Tâmega River lies in the north of Portugal in the historical province of Tras-os-Montes Its source lies thirty kilometers north of Verín in the Spanish autonomous region of Galicia and it flows south for about 100 kilometers...

Agriculture and services are still the main sources of income. The surrounding area of the Tâmega River valley, known as the veiga, is quite fertile. Potatoes, corn, and garden vegetables are grown on the small plots. There are several granite extraction and finishing industries as well as mineral water plants in nearby Vidago. Vidago is a small town located twelve kilometers south of Chaves in the district of Vila Real, Portugal. ...

Many of the local people have emigrated to northern Europe, especially France. In August these emigrants return to visit their villages and the population of Chaves doubles. It is a time of weddings and village festivals.

The climate in Chaves is transitional between Atlantic Maritime Temperate and Continental. The mountains between the Minho region and Tras-os-Montes serve as a climactic barrier and lessen rainfall as one moves in an easterly direction. Winters can be cold with January highs rarely reaching 10º and lows often going below zero. Thick fog hovering over the valley is also common on dry days. Summer is characterized by dry days with maximums around 30º and minimums around 15º. Summer brush fires can often make this season unpleasant.

The castle in Chaves

Image File history File links Chavescastle. ... Image File history File links Chavescastle. ...

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