AVELEDA (BRAGANÇA)
41.8978° N; 6.6581° W
The Matriz Church, on a slight elevation, dates back to the 18th century.
The bridge that crosses the Pepim River in Aveleda, constructed on stone, was completed in 1952.
Geography
Aveleda is located along the Portuguese-Spanish border within the Parque Natural de Montesinho (Montesinho Natural Park), three kilometres northeast of the municipal seat of Bragança.
It is characterized by hills and river-valleys, along a plateau with an average of 500 metres altitude. It is crossed by two water courses that flow from north to south: the Ribeira das Igrejas, which crosses the village of Varge, and the Ribeira de Pepim, which intersects the village of Aveleda.[4] Both ravines spring from the Serra de Pedralba, crossing from Spain, and flow as tributaries of the Sabor River.
Architecture
There are several vestiges of historical architecture and rural constructions in this parish, that include: the two main historical springs/wells (Fonte da Pinela and Fonte d'Aldeia), which were subterranean channels of potable water; watermills and ancient blacksmith's forge. The following were classified as national monuments or architecturally significant heritage:
Civic
Fountain of Pinela (Portuguese: Fonte da Pinela)
Religious
Church of São Cipriano (Portuguese: Igreja Paroquial de Aveleda/Igreja de São Cipriano), built in the 17th century, the parochial church of Aveleda was directed by the abbey Meixedo, before falling under the administration of Miranda;
Church of São Miguel (Portuguese: Igreja Paroquial de Varge/Igreja de São Miguel/Igreja de Varge), a relatively small parish, the church of Varge had little more than 40 parishioners at the time of its institution, during the 17th century;
Chapel of São Sebastião (Portuguese: Capela de São Sebastião/Capelo de Santo Padre), constructed during the 18th century, the chapel has been a site for pilgrims, first for São Julião, but later Santo Padre (celebrated on 20 January), during the winter seasons. A register of azulejo is located above the main portal.
