Isn’t it amazing that Vilar do Paraíso was once its own civil parish? Now it is part of Mafamude e Vilar do Paraíso. This happened in 2013. Before that Vilar do Paraíso was a distinct place.
Let’s explore some history of Vilar do Paraíso. In 2011 the population was almost 14000 people. Specifically there were 13878 inhabitants. They lived in an area of just over five square kilometers. Vilar do Paraíso had a high population density.
Imagine Vilar do Paraíso before 2013. It was a unique parish within Vila Nova de Gaia. Today we can still explore its heritage. One notable site is the Chapel of Saint Martin. It is locally known as Capela de São Martinho.
Vilar do Paraíso had 4.17 square kilometers. That is according to data from 2011. At that time 13878 people called Vilar do Paraíso home. This gave it a population density of 3328 inhabitants per square kilometer.
The parish of Vilar do Paraíso was dissolved. This occurred during a national administrative reform. It joined with the parish of Mafamude. Together they formed a new parish. It is called União das Freguesias de Mafamude e Vilar do Paraíso. The headquarters are in Mafamude. This change happened in 2013.
Vilar do Paraíso is about eight kilometers from Porto. The population is approximately 13000. There are about 11000 voters. The area is just over four square kilometers. The terrain is mostly flat. The exception is Monte de São Caetano. Its elevation exceeds 100 meters.
Agriculture was once the main activity in Vilar do Paraíso. Today the situation is different. Small and medium sized industries operate here. This makes Vilar do Paraíso a more urban area.
Vilar do Paraíso has a rich history. It belonged to the old Couto da Tarouquela. King Afonso Henriques once owned it. Later the Monastery of Grijó acquired it. The Chapel of Alminhas de Tarouquela is a remnant. It features magnificent tile panels. These tiles came from the extinct Fábrica do Agueiro.
In the Manueline charter the parish is called “Parayso.” In the Synodal Constitutions it is a “Curado.” The Inquiry of King Dinis refers to “Sam Pedro de Parayso.” This was in the “Julgado de Gaya.”
Vilar do Paraíso boasts a wealth of heritage. This includes both natural and architectural elements. São Caetano Park and Quinta da Formiga are key natural landmarks. The Igreja Matriz is the most distinguished piece. It stands out due to its chancel. The chancel is classified as a national monument. Other notable manor houses include Quinta do Menino d’Ouro. Also worth seeing are Vila Alice and Quinta da Condessa de São Tiago de Lobão.
Many fountains exist in Vilar do Paraíso. These all incorporate decorative elements.
Vilar do Paraíso has a strong community spirit. This extends to various activities. There is the Vilar do Paraíso Columbophile Association. Another is the Cultural and Recreational Association “Os Amigos Vilarenses.” We also have the Recreational Association “Entre-Parentes”.
Other institutions in Vilar do Paraíso include the Academia Musical. Also significant is Scout Group 321. It was the first to be created in Vila Nova de Gaia. This happened eighty years ago.
A legend tells of a count from the Crusades. He met a beautiful woman at the market. He asked her to live with him. She agreed but only if they married.
The count was often away. Eventually he died. The countess was left alone with servants. After some years she died too. Before her death she hid a great treasure. No one knew where. People searched but found nothing. The butler also died. Over the years people lived there. They left because they heard or saw the countess. The house was searched but nothing was found. Legend says the treasure remains hidden.
The Chapel of São Martinho is a key heritage site. So is the Church of São Pedro. Don’t miss the Alminhas de Tarouquela. The Hermitage of São Caetano is also significant. Explore São Caetano Park. Other sites include the Solar dos Camelos.