São João da Pesqueira (European Portuguese pronunciation:[sɐ̃wʒuˈɐ̃wðɐpɨʃˈkɐjɾɐ]ⓘ) is a municipality and municipal seat in the Portuguese district of Viseu. The population of the municipality in 2011 was approximately 7,874 inhabitants,[1] in an area that extends 266.11 square kilometres (102.75 sq mi).[2] The present mayor is Manuel Cordeiro, elected by a citizens' movement. The municipal holiday is June 24.
History
São João da Pesqueira is the oldest recognized municipality in the country, created in 1055, thus taking precedence over such major cities as Coimbra, Guimarães or Lamego.
Geography
Population of São João da Pesqueira (1801 - 2011)
Year
Pop.
±%
1801
3,203
—
1849
5,734
+79.0%
1900
12,505
+118.1%
1930
12,764
+2.1%
1960
15,124
+18.5%
1981
10,219
−32.4%
1991
9,581
−6.2%
2001
8,653
−9.7%
2011
7,874
−9.0%
The municipality is situated at 850 metres (2,790 ft) above sea level and is bordered on the north by the River Douro and the municipality of Alijó, on the northeast by Carrazeda de Ansiães, on the east by Vila Nova de Foz Côa (district of Guarda), on the south-east by Penedono, on the south by Sernancelhe, on the west by Tabuaço and on the north-west by Sabrosa. The municipality includes an attractive countryside with viewpoints over the Douro valley and the Valeira dam from the chapel of São Salvador do Mundo (Ermo).
Administratively, the municipality is divided into 11 civil parishes:[3]
Situated in the heart of the Douro wine region, São João da Pesqueira is well endowed with vineyards that support the production of vintage and port wines.
Tourist attractions include a wine museum in Pesqueira and a network of waymarked hiking trails, including a section of the GR 14Porto to StrasbourgRota dos Vinhos da Europa (European Wine Route trail).
