Alijó

There are several megalithic structures, dolmens and castros in Alijó evidencing the pre-historic occupation of the region by semi-nomadic tribes, dating back to the 10th century BC. Many of the archaeological sites are well documented, and most of the archaeological evidence continue to be unearthed in reasonable condition. The remains of Roman-era settlements in the region are primarily limited to the fountains, roads and bridges that cross Alijó. The occupation of the land began after the 12th-13th century, with the settlement by nobles and high nobility, including the Távora family (the Marquess of Távora would become the first donatário of Alijó). ==Geography==

Physical geography As much as the climate and geography has helped, the region has been endowed with many natural and archaeological traits. The municipality is delimited by the Douro, Tua, Tinhela and Pinhão rivers, and by the mountains of Trás-os-Montes. In August 2025 Alijó recorded 13 consecutive days with maximum temperatures equal to or greater than . Human geography Situated in the district of Vila Real, the rural communities of the municipality include 14,334 residents, of which 13,655 are permanent. • Alijó • Carlão e Amieiro • Castedo e Cotas • Favaios • Pegarinhos • Pinhão • Pópulo e Ribalonga • São Mamede de Ribatua • Sanfins do Douro • Santa Eugénia • Vale de Mendiz, Casal de Loivos e Vilarinho de Cotas • Vila Chã • Vila Verde • Vilar de Maçada ==Economy==

In 1996, the number of residents linked to the economic sectors of the population included: 46.6% in the primary sector, 18% in industry and manufacturing, while the majority, 38.4%, were associated with the tertiary sector. Generally, the rural municipality falls within the Douro DOC, is essentially agricultural in economic activity with some small commerce. The viticulture, fine wine producers, over the centuries have practiced a technique of sculpting the landscape around the Douro River and other tributaries, acting as arterial veins to transport wine down to the urban centres in Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. In addition, the land also supports herding in pastures, and is divided into two distinct areas: a northern zone, rich in olive oil, cereals, legumes, potato and almonds; and a southern area that focuses on wine production. There is no clear indication of the number of day-trips, bus tours or tourist-specific adventures into the region annually, but the region has several landscapes, archaeological sites and cultural activities to attract tourists or vacationers. == Notable people ==

• Manuel da Nóbrega (1517 in Sanfins do Douro – 1570) a Jesuit priest in colonial Brazil, influential in the early history of Brazil and participated in the founding of several cities. • Rodrigo Pinto Pizarro (1788-1841) the President of the Council of Ministers in 1839. • António Alves Martins (1808–1882) a bishop, professor, journalist and politician. • José Sócrates (birth in 1957 registered here) Prime Minister of Portugal 2005-2011 • Abel Pereira (born 1990) a Portuguese footballer with about 200 club caps. ==References==