Resende

Is there anything quite as charming as a town named after a knight? Legend has it that Resende, this very town we’re in, got its name from a Christian knight named “Rausendo”. He conquered the town and then repopulated it back in the eleventh century. Resende holds a special place in the history of Portugal. It played a role in the upbringing of D. Afonso Henriques, the very first king of Portugal. He was brought up by his tutor, D. Egas Moniz. The story goes that the young prince was born with a serious illness. He made a miraculous recovery at the tender age of four. This happened after D. Egas Moniz, following instructions he received in a vision, took him to a place where an image of the Virgin Mary was found. Later, a church was built at that very spot, known as Cárquere. Although the church saw alterations in the 15th and 16th centuries, a small ivory figure of the Virgin Mary still stands as a testament to the town’s history. Resende, nestled on the slopes of the Serra do Montemuro, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Douro River. Imagine the tranquil beauty of the reservoir created by the Carrapatelo dam, a sight that draws visitors from far and wide. Today, Resende thrives as a charming town. The legend of its namesake knight adds an intriguing layer to its allure. As we continue our tour, let the spirit of Resende’s captivating history linger in your thoughts.