Torres Novas

Infobox_Municipality_pt
official_name = Torres Novas


image_coat_of_arms = TNV1.png

---

Region = Centro
Subregion = Médio Tejo
District = Santarém
Mayor_name = António Rodrigues
Mayor_party = PS
area_total = 270.0
population_total = 37,155
population_density = 138
Parishes = 17
coor = 39º28'N 8º32'W
params = 39_28_N_8_32_W
occasion =
day = Ascension Day
website = http://www.cm-torresnovas.pt

Torres Novas (pron. IPA2|'toʁɨʃ 'nɔvɐʃ) is a municipality in Portugal with a total area of 270.0 km² and a total population of 37,155 inhabitants.

The municipality is composed of 17 parishes, and is located in the district of Santarém.The city of Torres Novas(has about 15,000 inhabitants).This city has a castle. The seat of the municipality(town hall/"camara municipal") is in the city, which includes four parishes("freguesias")in the urban area.

History

Little is known about the history of Torres Novas prior to the conquest of the city from the Arabs in 1148 by Don Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. It is assumed that several peoples called the area home, including the Greeks, Romans, Celts and Arabs. The presence of the Romans is well established based the ruins at Vila Cardílio.Torres Novas: [http://www.cm-torresnovas.pt/concelho/historia.asp História] ]

The castle, which had fallen into ruin, was rebuilt in 1190 by Sancho I. The castle was further rebuilt by in 1376 Ferdinand I. It was directly around the castle that the city grew up.

The city was surrounded by walls until the 16th century when it began to expand beyond its historical boundaries. The original walls were demolished during the 19th century.

Parishes

* Alcorochel
* Assentiz
* Brogueira
* Chancelaria
* Lapas
* Meia Via
* Olaia
* Paço
* Parceiros de Igreja
* Parceiros de S. Joao
* Pedrógão
* Riachos
* Ribeira Branca
* Torres Novas (Salvador)
* Torres Novas (Santiago)
* Torres Novas (São Pedro)
* Torres Novas (Santa Maria)
* Zibreira

Economy

Renova – Fábrica de Papel do Almonda, SA, a well known paper company, is based in the municipality.

Companhia de Torres Novas - Textil industry

Politics

The present mayor is António Oliveira Rodrigues, elected by the Socialist Party.

In March 2007 Torres Novas fraternized with Moreni, [ [http://www.moreni.ro/ Moreni.ro] ] a city located in Dâmboviţa County, Romania.

Holiday

The municipal holiday is Ascension Day.

References

*cite news |last=City of Torres Novas |url=http://www.cm-torresnovas.pt/concelho/historia.asp |title=Fundacão de Torres Novas |date=2006 |accessdate=2007-01-25

External links

*Torres Novas: [http://www.cm-torresnovas.pt/ Town Hall official website]
*Flickr.com: [http://www.flickr.com/photos/vitor107/sets/72057594051544343/ Photos from Torres Novas]

Other Cities {"Cidades"} nearby

Entroncamento, Tomar, Abrantes, Ourém and Fátima, all in the Middle Tagus"Médio Tejo"subregion.