Miranda Do Douro - History

History

The origin of Miranda do Douro as a populated place is still discussed by historians but the archeological discovers give evidence of a inhabitants been libing during the Bronze Age. It is know that it was an important city during the Roman age. They give it the name of Cuntium, Paramica, Sponcia and even Cambetum Lubicanarum.

The city is located on the border with Spain, with the Douro River separating the two countries. The nearest town in Spain is Zamora, site of the Treaty of Zamora (1143) between the Portuguese king Afonso I and the Leonese king Alfonso VII. This marked the recognition of the independence of the Kingdom of Portugal, proclaimed in 1139.

The nearest railway station, Duas Igrejas - Miranda, was the station for Miranda do Douro but was located several kilometres away. This station was the northern terminus of the narrow gauge Sabor line, connecting with main line trains to Oporto at Pocinho. The station was opened in 1938, but closed in 1988.

Read more about this topic:  Miranda Do Douro

Famous quotes containing the word history:

    The awareness that health is dependent upon habits that we control makes us the first generation in history that to a large extent determines its own destiny.
    Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.)

    The history of his present majesty, is a history of unremitting injuries and usurpations ... all of which have in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states. To prove this, let facts be submitted to a candid world, for the truth of which we pledge a faith yet unsullied by falsehood.
    Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826)

    No one can understand Paris and its history who does not understand that its fierceness is the balance and justification of its frivolity. It is called a city of pleasure; but it may also very specially be called a city of pain. The crown of roses is also a crown of thorns. Its people are too prone to hurt others, but quite ready also to hurt themselves. They are martyrs for religion, they are martyrs for irreligion; they are even martyrs for immorality.
    Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936)