Tarouca

Of Neolithic occupation, the first written reference to Tarouca appears in the 6th century, attesting to its origin and preponderance during the Middle Ages, especially at the dawn of the foundation of nationality, through the connection of the first King of Portugal, Egas Moniz and Dona Teresa to the construction of the Monastery of S. João de Tarouca and the Convent of Sta. Maria de Salzedas.

In 1262 D. Afonso III granted the town the “Carta de Foro de Castro-Rei”, confirmed by D. Afonso IV, D. Dinis and again in 1514 by D. Manuel. The seat of a court with an ordinary judge, Tarouca was elevated to the district of Vara Branca with jurisdiction over crime, civil matters and orphans, a status it retained for more than three decades.

Its territory is located in the transition zone between the Beiras and Alto Douro regions, spread across the Tarouca, Varosa and Salzedas valleys and higher altitude areas such as the Nave Altiplano, Monte Raso and Serra de Santa Helena.

With a typically rural and agricultural profile, the municipality stands out for its elderberry production and meat processing and smoking industries, which are important economic activities in the region, along with the production of table and sparkling wines, pastoralism and the cultivation of rye, olives, chestnuts, apples and pears. In terms of tourism, its natural attractions and remarkable historical, cultural and architectural heritage stand out, attracting more and more visitors.