The attractive little town of Mirandela (Altitude: 250m/820ft) lies on the left bank of the Rio Tua about 70km/44mi southwest of Bragança in one of the most isolated areas of the Portuguese mainland. It has a small, medieval center, but this is being increasingly invaded by new buildings.
Glorious festivals are held in Mirandela in the summertime.
There was a crossing of the Rio Tua here in Roman times, and the position of the Roman bridge is now occupied by a medieval bridge of 18 arches, 232m/254yd long. Beside it is a modern bridge.
It is worth making a trip to Carrazeda de Ansiaes (18km/11mi southwest of Vila Flor). On a hill 4km/2.5mi south of the town lie the ruins of an 11th C. castle which played an important role in the Reconquista. A few remains with the castle walls indicate that there was a settlement here in the Bronze Age. The Romanesque Igreja de Sao Salvador near the entrance to the castle has a splendidlly decorated west door.
About 28km/17mi south of Mirandela is the little country town of Vila Flor (alt. 565m/1,855ft; pop. 2,000), with a handsome 18th C. palace, a Gothic town hall, an azulejo clad parish church and remains of the town walls. A small museum exhibits household items from the first half of the 20th C.
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Murca, Portugal
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Carrazeda de Ansiaes, Portugal
