The origins of Freixo de Espada à Cinta, though shrouded in the mists of time, date back to the Upper Paleolithic period (e.g., the Mazouco horse) and the Narbassos, an Iberian people from the pre-Roman era mentioned by Ptolemy. This suggests the settlement existed long before the founding of the Kingdom of Portugal. Numerous events mark its long history, which is rich in stories and legends explaining its name. These include the coat of arms of the noble “Feijão,” the Gothic nobleman “Espadacinta,” or “Fraxinus,” all offering insights into the name’s origins. Freixo de Espada à Cinta also has a geological history marked by significant changes to the seabed around 550 million years ago, which gave rise to the schist lands where some of the world’s finest wines are produced.
There are numerous remnants from the Iron Age pig cult (statues of boars and wild boar figures) and the Roman presence (coins, ceramics, glass, etc.). Discover the beauty of this village, which is the most Manueline in Portugal, located in the International Douro Natural Park. It is characterized by the grandeur of the Douro River and its tributaries, which can be admired from fantastic viewpoints like Penedo Durão and Carrascalinho. It’s common to spot vultures, Egyptian vultures, or golden eagles, which find refuge in the nearby cliffs. A wild, nearly untouched nature combines with landscapes shaped by human activity, such as olive groves, vineyards, orange orchards, and almond trees, which display the rare and beautiful spectacle of almond blossoms this season. Come along!…
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