""Terras de Cervaria" (Land of the Stags)" Vila Nova da Cerveira by bambino36

Vila Nova da Cerveira Travel Guide: 12 reviews and 21 photos

Panoramic view over Vila Nova de Cerveira

Vila Nova de Cerveira is located on the portuguese side of the Minho river. The historical center comprises the castle, old churches and old buildings which deserve a close look.

Cervo (Stag), Vila Nova de Cerveira

The name of the village it's explained by a legend.
Once upon a time... there was a stag (deer) that was chosen by the Gods of Olympo to become a King. And so the stag decided to move, together with other stags, to this uninhabitated territory that then began to be known as "Terras de Cervaria" (Land of the Stags). Many years flew past. Fights, skirmishes and disasters gradually devastated the colony until only the King Stag was left. According to the legend, when the noblemen from Asturias came down during the Reconquest to conquer what was to become the Condado Portucalense, a young noblemen challenged the King Stag to a face-to-face duel. And the old Lord accepted. The duel took place among trees and weeds in a trenched site. And, so the story tells, the King Stag swept to victory! He kept the nobleman's flag that became the King's coat of arms. But the Gods deceived the old King. He wouldn't be immortal... Tired of living and ill, the old Lord died in the loneliness of the crags and with him disappeared for good the Terra da Cervaria.
But the story wasn't forgotten and the Vila Nova de Cerveira coat-of-arms still bears a golden passant stag in silver armour standing in a green field.

Last visit to Vila Nova da Cerveira: Dec 2003
Intro Updated Oct 1, 2004
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Reviews (10)

Capela da Nossa Sra da Encarnação, V.N. Cerveira - Vila Nova da Cerveira

Capela de Nossa Senhora da Encarnação Things to Do (10)

This chapel stands on top of the mountain near the famous metallic Cervo (Stag) and has a great view over the river... more travel advice

Forte de Lovelhe, Vila Nova de Cerveira - Vila Nova da Cerveira

Forte de Lovelhe (Lovelhe Fortress) Things to Do (10)

This fortress was built in the 17th century in a strategic area for defense manouvers on the left bank of the river... more travel advice

View over the river, Vila Nova de Cerveira - Vila Nova da Cerveira

View from the Castle Things to Do (10)

From the Castle it's possible to have an excellent view over the river Minho and Galicia more travel advice

Solar dos Castros, Vila Nova de Cerveira - Vila Nova da Cerveira

Solar dos Castros Things to Do (10)

The Manor House of the Castros Family is a remarkable 18th century structure and it's one of the most important... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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Bwana_Brown Oct 14, 2004 at 8:13 AM

Nice information on this scenic spot overlooking the River Minho! I did not make it quite that far north, so this will have to do!
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micas_pt Oct 11, 2004 at 12:06 PM

Also a lovely village. But my memories of VNC are the food, yummy!!