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Santa Maria de Sardoura

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Did the name Sardoura originate from the Arabic word for “to go around”? Some historians believe so. They point to the winding river that snakes through the valley here, its curves mirroring the origin of the name. Santa Maria de Sardoura, nestled on the left bank of the Douro River, holds onto this theory as part of its unique charm. This picturesque village, elevated to Vila status in 2003, sits quietly about 4km from Castelo de Paiva. Imagine the echoes of history whispering through the ancient stones of Santa Maria de Sardoura’s Church. In the early 16th century, this church fell under the patronage of D. Francisco Coutinho, the Count of Marialva. Look for the two hills, S. Gens and S. Paúl, standing like watchful guardians over the village. These hills, natural fortresses thanks to their topography, speak to a history far exceeding the church’s. The views from their peaks offer a breathtaking panorama of the Douro River and the valley, a landscape cherished by inhabitants for centuries. Santa Maria de Sardoura invites you to uncover its secrets, its history interwoven with the flowing river and the rolling hills that define this beautiful corner of Portugal.

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