“Cereja!” a vendor shouts. Seixezelo was once known as land of cherries. Now let’s delve into the story of Seixezelo.
Seixezelo is a former civil parish in Vila Nova de Gaia. It merged with Pedroso in 2013. Now it is the Union of Parishes of Pedroso e Seixezelo. The merger happened after the municipal elections of September 29, 2013.
In 2011, Seixezelo had a population of 1712. This population lived in an area of 1.45 square kilometers.
Interestingly, Seixezelo was part of the Couto de Pedroso. Later, it belonged to the Couto de Avintes. It was also an honor bestowed upon D. Gil Vasques.
Old documents refer to Seixezelo by different names. In the Inquirições de D. Dinis it is Sancta Marynha de Seixazello. The Constituições Sinodais do Bispado do Porto calls it Seixezello. Only after the civil war of 1832-1834 did it officially become a parish.
The streets of Cidral and Vessada retain a rustic charm. They lead to the Igreja Matriz the main church. This church is an imposing building with sober lines. A perfect arch frames the main door. The facade is topped with a triangular tympanum and a cross. The bell tower has a curved cupola showcasing 19th-century design.
Inside the Igreja Matriz stands an image of Santa Marinha. This naive image from the 16th or 17th century is the patron saint. The churchyard offers views of the remaining rural spaces.
Seixezelo has the source of the Febros River. This river is a tributary of the Douro. It connects Seixezelo and Pedroso. The source is in Parque das Corgas.
Decades ago, Seixezelo was mainly rural. Today some agricultural land and forests remain. The construction of industries and residential areas transformed the lifestyle.
Once known for cherry farming, Seixezelo held an annual Cherry Festival. It took place in Parque das Corgas. Although one of the smallest parishes in Vila Nova de Gaia, Seixezelo has residential industrial and commercial potential.
Seixezelo which was extinguished as an independent parish in 2014. Seixezelo is now part of the Union of Parishes of Pedroso e Seixezelo. Its legacy remains a blend of rural tradition and modern growth.