São João da Pesqueira


São João da Pesqueira is a municipality and municipal seat in the Portuguese district of Viseu. The population of the municipality in 2011 was approximately 7,874 inhabitants, in an area that extends. The present mayor is Manuel Cordeiro, elected by a citizens' movevent. 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

The municipality is situated at 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, 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.
Administratively, the municipality is divided into 11 civil parishes:
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 14 Porto to Strasbourg Rota dos Vinhos da Europa.