Felgueiras

This is a region where the riches of the past blend with modern-day culture and life-style and where, amongst noble old houses and mansions, one develops a taste for regional cooking and for good "vinho verde" which Felgueiras is proud to produce like no one else.

The City of Felgueiras, set in the upper part of the Sousa Valley, encloses about 116 km2, distributed by 32 parishes. It is composed of four urban centres: the City of Felgueiras, the City of Lixa, the Village of Barrosas and the Village of Longra. Tâmega s NUT true core, it is presently an important axis in the country s highway and main itinerary map, a solid guarantee defining the Municipality s real potential.The municipality s monumental patrimony is rich and diverse. Felgueiras is integrated in the Sousa Valley s Romanesque Route with five monuments: the Monastery of Pombeiro and the Churches of Airães, Sousa, Unhão and S. Mamede.The Monastery of Pombeiro, whose construction is prior to the foundation of the Nation, is the supreme expression of the lands of Felgueiras remote origins and cultural richness.The embroideries are one of the Municipality s richest traditions, employing around 2/3 of the country s embroiderers. The "filé" or knotted stitch, the cross stitch, the full stitch, the "richelieu" and the embroidered stitch are genuine examples of the artisan products of our fairy hands.

The authentic flavors of its gastronomy, the freshness and intensity of its wines fragrances and the lively environment provide unforgettable moments. Thanks to such richness, a Fellowship of the Wine of Felgueiras was designed to promote and defend local wine and gastronomy.

Felgueiras, with 58.000 inhabitants, is one of the youngest municipalities in the country and Europe. A land of exception, investing in valuing its human resources, in consolidating its polytechnic campus, its economic development (creating jobs and a business centre) and its infrastructures.Marked by the exceptional entrepreneurship of its people, it is responsible for 50% of the national footwear export, by 1/3 of the best Green Wines of the Region and by a prized cultural patrimony. Felgueiras is one of the cities with the highest development levels in the Northern part of the country.

All around Felgueiras, set in the midst of a luxuriant green landscape, are a series of villages with small Romanesque churches. The town is also famous for its embroideries and lace-work, its production of vinho verde and the much appreciated pão de ló (sponge cake) from Margaride.