Ever wondered where the expression “Land of the Broa” comes from? Today, we are standing in Avintes. This civil parish in Vila Nova de Gaia is known as “Terra da Broa”. It translates to “Land of the Broa”. This refers to the Broa de Avintes. This is a typical farmhouse bread. It is widely consumed in Northern Portugal. It originated right here in Avintes.
Avintes boasts a history that stretches back to ancient times. Some origins of the parish date back to the early settlement. This was during the Megalithic cultures of the Iberian Peninsula. There are references to the area of Arcas. It was an ancient necropole. It was designated for its dolmens. These might have been constructed in this region.
Historians suggest the name Arcas was a corruption. It came from the term Areias. This refers to “sand”. Few direct links specify the association with Neolithic cultures. Most assume that the region was settled by Castro builders.
Roman occupation occurred from the 2nd century B.C. It forced out many indigenous cultures. It imposed a provincial system. Avintes was part of the larger Scallabitanus. There is little to substantiate Roman occupation here. Even the celebrated “Roman bridge” over the Febros is likely medieval.
After reorganizations by the Suebi and Visigoths, Arab forces took the region. This followed the Battle of Guadalete in 714. The Reconquista brought the lands under the domain of the Galician province of Coimbra. This was under Count Vimara Peres. He organized the defense for King Alfonso III. The land returned to Arab control around the 10th century.
The first reference to Avintes appeared at this time. Celebrated writer D. Gundesindo mentioned the village of Abientes. The reproduction is uncertain. Alexandre Herculano transcribed it.
Avintes was referenced in the Inquiries of King Afonso III in 1258. It pertained to the judicial sector of Gondomar. Inquiries during King Denis’s reign referenced São Pedro de Avintes. Its religious limits were identified. Its stewardship was fixed to its vicar, Martim Anes.
In 1300, religious administration was donated to the Monastery of Santo Tirso. D. Constança Gil transferred lands in Avintes. This was in memory of her husband and son. By 1346, the lands were under the clerics of the Monastery of Pedroso. By 1487, it passed to the Brandão family.
Fernão Brandão and his son Diogo Brandão were masters of the Estates of Avintes. Their descendants became Counts of Avintes and Marquesses of Lavradio.
Diogo Brandão’s daughter, D. Isabel Brandão, married D. Francisco de Almeida in 1570. This transferred the Estates of Avintes to the Almeida clan. D. Luís de Almeida received the title of Count of Avintes in 1664. In 1689, he received full rights of donatario. The Almeidas occupied their seat in Avintes until the First Portuguese Republic.
During the French invasion, Avintes was a sideshow. The parish did not partake in great battles. General Junot ordered valuables carted to Porto. They escaped to France.
During the Liberal Wars, Avintes hosted pro- and anti-Miguelist disturbances. In 1832, Avintes became a municipality. The first municipal council was installed.
Avintes is situated on the left bank of the Douro River. It lies east of Gaia and south of Porto. Avintes offers more than just its famous bread. The Audience Stones are a set of three stone benches and a table. They were originally used for meetings and trials in the 18th century. Another highlight is the Church of São Pedro de Avintes, constructed in 1758.
Also worth a visit are the Gaia Biological Park and the Zoo Santo Inácio. They provide a great experience for nature and animal lovers.
Avintes has been the birthplace and home to several notable figures. Maria Isabel Wittenhall van Zeller was a pioneer of smallpox vaccination. Sculptors António Fernandes de Sá, Henrique Moreira, and Manuel Pereira da Silva were also born here. Writer José Vaz and musician Adriano Correia de Oliveira also have roots in Avintes.
Before we leave, let us remember Avintes. It is a place where ancient history meets culinary tradition. It is the land of Broa, culture, and remarkable people.