How could such a defensive marvel be in Crestuma? Crestuma’s Castelo de Crestuma stands as a silent sentinel. It overlooks the Douro River. Its story stretches back centuries.
Crestuma’s geographical location made it ideal for defense. Its elevated position offered natural protection. Archaeological discoveries confirm Crestuma’s settlement predates Portugal’s founding.
At Quinta das Galantes surface vestiges from the Roman era were unearthed. Gandra holds remnants of an ancient paved road. Its dating is uncertain. It could be Roman or medieval. The Castelo de Crestuma is thought to predate Portugal. It occupies the area now known as Botanical Park.
Pottery shards typical of the Middle Ages have been found here at Castelo de Crestuma. The name Crestuma comes from Castrum. This means an elevated settlement. It also connects to the Uíma River. This river begins in Santa Maria da Feira. It ends in this Vila.
The first written record of Crestuma dates to 922. It mentions a hermitage with its cemetery. This was also in the monastery and Vila. Bishop Gomado of Coimbra retired to Crestuma after resigning. King Ordonho II of León met him here in 922.
In the 11th century Crestuma became a Couto. It was donated to Bishop Hugo of Porto by D. Teresa. D. Afonso Henriques confirmed the donation to the Porto bishopric. D. Pedro Rabaldis held the post at the time.
Crestuma briefly became a municipality. This was between May 12 1834 and October 19 1835. José Francisco de Oliveira served as its only Chamber President.
Crestuma thrived in the 20th century. This was thanks to the textile and foundry industries. Buildings from its textile past still stand in Fontinha. The Crestuma Lever dam was built in the 70s and 80s. It harnessed the Douro River’s hydroelectric power. The Companhia Portuguesa de Produção de Electricidade led the project. Construtora do Tâmega executed it. Construction began in 1976. The dam opened in 1985. Crestuma became a Vila on April 19 2001. Since September 29 2013 Crestuma has been part of the Union of Parishes of Sandim.
Today the Castelo de Crestuma invites us to delve into Crestuma’s past. It speaks of Romans bishops and industry. It whispers of a time when defense was paramount. It reminds us that even stones have stories to tell.