Named for a count the story of Vila do Conde unfolds before us. This town located north of Porto has a history of nobility. It stands where the River Ave meets the Atlantic.
Let’s journey back to the late 9th century. A local count fortified this settlement. “Conde” means count. Hence, the town got its name Vila do Conde.
The town prospered through trade and fishing. This was especially so under King João II and King Manuel I. Vila do Conde became a maritime center during Portugal’s Age of Discovery. This was in the 15th and 16th centuries. However, the River Ave silted up in the late 18th century. Vila do Conde then declined.
Today Vila do Conde is an active fishing port. It has a lively Friday market. Its medieval quarter has atmosphere. Guia and Forno beaches are popular in summer. Vila do Conde retains much of its former charm.
The Convent of Santa Clara dominates the skyline. It was founded in 1318. It was largely rebuilt in 1778. It contains the tombs of Dom Afonso Sanches and Dona Teresa Martins. They were the nunnery’s founders.
An aqueduct once fed the fountain in the cloister. It was built in the 18th century. It stretched from Terroso seven kilometers away. It had 999 arches.
The builders thought 1000 arches would offend God. The aqueduct supplied water to the convent’s 100 nuns.
The church of São João Baptista stands beneath the convent. It dates to the early 16th century. It features an ornate Manueline portico. João de Castilho crafted it. He was a premier architect.
Around Praça Vasco da Gama the historic quarter retains its flavor. The Rua da Igreja showcases Renaissance wealth. Elegant Manueline carvings adorn houses there.
Besides shipbuilding Vila do Conde has a lace-making tradition. The Escola de Rendas promotes this art. It’s housed in the Lace Museum.
Vila do Conde offers much to see. The nearby town of Póvoa de Varzim has sandy beaches. It also has a pulsating nightlife. Porto is easily accessible by road or metro.
Vila do Conde offers a glimpse into Portugal’s rich past. It is a place where history and beauty intertwine. It earned the status of city in 1988. It is a place of aristocratic charm. Its rich history and culture await discovery.