Think back to a time long before Portugal even existed. Pedome’s story begins in those mists of the past. Today we explore Pedome a place with a history stretching back centuries. This freguesia or parish is part of Vila Nova de Famalicão.
Pedome’s story appears in records dating back to the period when the Moors ruled Iberia. A charter from 1033 mentions the settlement as “Pedomen”. This means Pedome predates the foundation of Portugal itself.
Over the centuries Pedome was known by different names. You might find it written as Podami or perhaps Padami. Other variations include Podome and Pondomi. These names all refer to this area in eastern Vila Nova de Famalicão.
Documents from the 16th century also mention Pedome. One canon from the congregation of S. João Evangelista in Porto noted that the Rector of Santo Eloy received 100$000 reis from the vicar of Pedome. Until 1835 Pedome belonged to the court of Vermoim. Vermoim was within the Termo de Barcelos. Later Pedome became part of Vila Nova de Famalicão.
In the late 19th century Pedome played a key role in the industrialization of the Middle Ave region. It had six factories representing over 20% of the municipality’s industrial establishments.
At the start of the 20th century Pedome was mostly rural and depended on agriculture. But the textile industry helped Pedome prosper in the 1930s and 1940s.
Pedome covers about 2.66 square kilometers. The population in 2021 was 1997 people. That is a population density of about 750.8 people per square kilometer.
The parish’s patron saint is Saint Peter. The Igreja Matriz de Pedome stands as a testament to their faith. For more interesting facts the Monografia da Paróquia e Freguesia de Pedome provides many details about this land.
Pedome is more than just a place on a map. It is a region with a history and a resilient community. Its journey from ancient times to the present shows the spirit of its people. As we leave Pedome remember its long past. It predates Portugal itself. Its story is one of change. Pedome has evolved through agriculture and industry. It continues to be a vital part of Vila Nova de Famalicão.