Once two parishes now united. We are at Moura Morta e Vinhós. This is a place with a story of transformation. It is located in the municipality of Peso da Régua.
Moura Morta e Vinhós was officially formed in 2013. This happened through an administrative reorganization. The former parishes of Moura Morta and Vinhós joined together. This created a single, stronger freguesia.
Let’s talk about the area. Moura Morta e Vinhós covers 12.8 square kilometers. In 2021, it had a population of 750. The population density is about 58.6 inhabitants per square kilometer.
Before the union, both Moura Morta and Vinhós had their own histories. In 2011, Moura Morta had 525 residents. Vinhós had 499 residents. The merging of these parishes aimed to optimize resources. It also sought to provide better services to the local population.
Now, let’s explore Moura Morta’s individual past. It was an important place in the region. Legend says that the name comes from a Moorish princess. She was allegedly killed here for refusing to renounce her faith. The Knights Templar may have been in Moura Morta until 1319. King Dinis dissolved the Order of the Temple. He transformed it into the Order of Christ.
Moura Morta once included land extending to Ariz. This land was later separated. It formed the parish of Loureiro. Situated on the slopes of the Marão mountain range, Moura Morta shows ruins. There are ruins of the House of the Order of Malta. Also you can find the ruins of the Chamber and the Jail. These remains indicate a past marked by authority and power. You can also visit the Igreja Matriz. There is the Casa da Comenda from the 18th century. Don’t forget the Medieval Bridge of Cavalar and the centuries-old Cruzeiro.
Moura Morta was once a town and municipality. King Manuel I granted it a charter in 1514. The population has varied over the centuries. From 676 inhabitants in 1864 to 525 in 2011.
Today, Moura Morta e Vinhós represents a blend of histories. It is a community that honors its past. At the same time it embraces the future. As you explore, remember the stories. Remember the people who shaped this land. The unification has created a stronger and more vibrant community. It is ready to face the challenges of the future.