Valadares (Vila Nova de Gaia)

The coat of arms are made up of a ceramic vase on the center with a dentate wheel behind, on the left is maize and on the right a shield over the water, on the bottom is water. The flag has two white and two blue squares. The ceramic vase with a dentate wheel represents the ceramic industry and the archaeological findings. The maize represents the fields in Vila Chá. The shield represents the shields of Vila Nova de Gaia coat of arms. The water represents the ocean and the beach of Valadares. The colors blue and white represent the ocean and foam of the waves. == History ==

The name Valadares originates from the word "Vallado", that means obstacle. That may be the "Crasto de Valadares" a fortification from the second period of the Iron Age (450 b.C.). This "Crastos" on the northwest of Iberian Peninsula, goes from the 5th century B.C. to AD 5th century. In the Middle Ages, Valadares belonged to the Monastery of Grijó. During the first half of the 20th century, Valadares enjoyed a considerable development, being one of the most developed parishes of Gaia, due to the existence of the Cerâmica de Valadares, one important Train Station, Sanatoriums, several Schools and a theatre (Cine-teatro Eduardo Brazão). == Culture ==

There is a traditional dessert in Valadares – the "Velhote", a kind of sweet bread with lemon and cinnamon. The origin of this dessert is not cleared yet, but most people believe that it was created in the 19th century by a lady who came from Braga. It is said that when King Carlos I and Queen Amélie went to Porto, they ate "Velhotes". The patron of Valadares is S. Salvador. == Media ==

Newspapers • Valadares & a Cidade em Foco == Places ==

Valadares is divided in 13 places. • Aldeia • Barroco • Campolinho • Crasto • Chamorra • Estação • Pedreiras • Penedo • Praia de Valadares • Sameiros • Tartumil • Valadarinhos • Vila-Chã ==References==