Vila Real de Santo António

Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Vila Real de Santo António


image_coat_of_arms = VRS1.png

---

Region=Algarve
Subregion=Algarve
District = Faro
Mayor_name = Luís Filipe Soromenho Gomes
Mayor_party = PPD/PSD
area_total = 57.53
population_total = 17,956 (2001)
population_density = 312.1
Parishes = 3
coor = 37°12′N 7°25′W
params = 37_12_N_7_25_W
occasion = Anniversary of the foundation
of the city (May 13, 1774)
day = May 13
website = http://www.cm-vrsa.pt

Vila Real de Santo António (pron. IPA2|'vilɐ ʁi'aɫ dɨ 'sɐ̃tu ɐ̃'tɔnju, often pronounced as [IPA|'vilɐ ʁi'aɫ dɨ sɐ̃tɐ̃'tɔnju] ) is a city, civil parish, and municipality in the Algarve, Portugal. It is one of only three municipalities in Portugal without territorial continuity (the others being Oliveira de Frades and Montijo): its territory comprehends two parts, with the municipal seat located in the eastern part. Both the city and the municipality are the southeasternmost of Portugal. Vila Real de Santo António was founded after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, and largely expanded in 1774 using the same architectural and construction techniques employed in the reconstruction of Lisbon after the disaster.

The city is situated next to the Guadiana river. Before the construction of the Guadiana International Bridge (in its neighboring upstream municipality of Castro Marim) it used to be the easiest access to Portugal from Andalusia (via ferry from the Spanish city of Ayamonte across the river). Nevertheless, international movement of people and goods is still intense and much visible in the city.

Civil parishes

The municipality of Vila Real de Santo António is divided into three civil parishes. They are:

Transportation

Culture

Several artists were born and/or worked in Vila Real de Santo António, providing a rich heritage in literature and visual arts. The native poet António Aleixo was particularly prominent. Xylographer Manuel Cabanas stood out in the city's artistic panorama and was a fierce opponent of the Portuguese dictatorship.

References

External links

* [http://www.cm-vrsa.pt/portal_autarquico/vila_real_sto_antonio/v_pt-PT Official municipal website] (Portuguese)
* [http://www.vrsaonline.com Vila Real de Santo António Online] (Portuguese)
* [http://www.eps-v-r-sto-antonio.rcts.pt/vrsa/historia_local/historia_local.htm Local History] (Portuguese)
* [http://geo.algarvedigital.pt/index.aspx?x=61986.5030679919&y=-274622.085889&scale=41737.136688 Map of the region]
* [http://www.portugaltravelguide.com/en/vila_real_de_santo_antonio.htm Vila Real de Santo António at Portugal Travel Guide]
* [http://www.guiadacidade.pt/portugal/index.php?lg=en&G=monumentos.ver&artid=15575&distritoid=08 Pictures and brief description of the city]
* [http://www.visitalgarve.pt/visitalgarve/vEN/VisiteOAlgarve/CulturaTradicao/Actividades/Viajar+Na+Historia/Sugestoes/Pombaline+Vila+Real+de+Santo+Ant%C3%B3nio.htm?res=1280x800 The Pombaline style in Vila Real de Santo António]
* [http://portal.icnb.pt/ICNPortal/vPT2007-AP-Sapal Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve] (Portuguese)