Tourist Attractions in Tras-os-Montes
Chief town: Bragança
The rugged mountain province of Trás-os-Montes, or "beyond the mountains", lies in the extreme northeast corner of Portugal, bounded on the north and east by Spain, on the west and southwest by Minho and Douro Litoral, and on the south by Beira Alta. Because of its remoteness Trás-os-Montes has kept many of the old customs and traditions. The famous "romarias", which take place at many locations and which are very popular with visitors, are accompanied by processions in colorful national costume.
Geology
Geologically the province is part of the Spanish Meseta, which here reaches heights of between 1,300m/4,250ft and 1,500m/4,900ft (Serra do Mogadouro), and is fissured by broad tectonic collapse zones.
Climate
Its relative distance from the Atlantic reduces the moderating oceanic influence on the climate. This is a region of raw winds and widely fluctuating temperatures, marked by precipitation (often as snow in winter) that decreases towards the east.
Population and Economy
The host of archeological evidence shows that Trás-os-Montes, like Minho province, is an area of prehistoric settlement. Now as in the past population is clustered in the fertile valleys (especially the upper Douro valley), where the soil is good for growing grapes and fruit. The bare, dry arid plateaux provide grazing for sheep and goats. In addition to agriculture the region has a long tradition of handicrafts such as weaving, lace and pottery.
The rugged mountain province of Trás-os-Montes, or "beyond the mountains", lies in the extreme northeast corner of Portugal, bounded on the north and east by Spain, on the west and southwest by Minho and Douro Litoral, and on the south by Beira Alta. Because of its remoteness Trás-os-Montes has kept many of the old customs and traditions. The famous "romarias", which take place at many locations and which are very popular with visitors, are accompanied by processions in colorful national costume.
Geology
Geologically the province is part of the Spanish Meseta, which here reaches heights of between 1,300m/4,250ft and 1,500m/4,900ft (Serra do Mogadouro), and is fissured by broad tectonic collapse zones.
Climate
Its relative distance from the Atlantic reduces the moderating oceanic influence on the climate. This is a region of raw winds and widely fluctuating temperatures, marked by precipitation (often as snow in winter) that decreases towards the east.
Population and Economy
The host of archeological evidence shows that Trás-os-Montes, like Minho province, is an area of prehistoric settlement. Now as in the past population is clustered in the fertile valleys (especially the upper Douro valley), where the soil is good for growing grapes and fruit. The bare, dry arid plateaux provide grazing for sheep and goats. In addition to agriculture the region has a long tradition of handicrafts such as weaving, lace and pottery.
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