White Village

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Artwork

District: Aveiro > Albergaria-a-Velha > Branca > Mundo Novo

Location

Vila da Branca is situated in the parish of the same name, in the municipality of Albergaria-a-Velha. Enclosed within the Mundo Novo area, its landscape is remarkably diverse. To the west, vast plains extend, while to the east, the locality rises, following the slopes of the Serra de São Julião, which reaches a considerable altitude. This elevation provides a broader perspective on the surrounding natural environment. The Caima River, to the east, defines one of its natural borders, enriching the geographical configuration of the village.

Historical Roots

Human presence in Branca dates back to ancient times, with traces pointing to the existence of Lusitanian settlements. Historical documentation, particularly records from 1098, already mentions "Villa quam de Auranca," a clear reference to the current Branca. This fact underlines a continuity of settlement that spans centuries, even predating the formation of the Kingdom of Portugal.

The Etymology of the Name

The name "Branca" holds a particular etymological history. Contrary to oral tradition which suggests a connection to a noble lady named D. Branca, historical studies indicate an older origin. The term derives from "Auranca," a word with pre-Roman roots that may be associated with the abundance of "gold" in the region's ancient mines. The designation evolved linguistically, passing through forms such as "Abranca" in archaic Portuguese, to the denomination we know today.

The Mother Church of São Vicente

The Mother Church, dedicated to São Vicente, is one of the points of greatest cultural interest in the village. Built at the end of the 17th century, it features a unique architectural characteristic: its bell tower is positioned at the rear of the building, behind the main altar. Inside, visitors can admire rich gilded carvings, notable for their artistic execution, believed to have originated from the old navy arsenal. A curious local legend narrates that, before the construction of the tower, the church bells were, for some years, suspended from an imposing oak tree in the churchyard, popularly known as the "Oak of the Bell."

Vestiges in the Territory

The territory of Branca reveals vestiges of strategic importance throughout history. On the Monte de São Julião, for example, the vast visibility over the surrounding landscape, which on clear days extends to the Atlantic Ocean, suggests the location of ancient Lusitanian defense posts. On the same Alto de São Julião, the place known as "Talegre" is associated with the idea of ancient military communications. Furthermore, remnants of a Roman military road, once visible in the form of flagstones in locations like "Estrada" and "Lajinhas," confirm the historical relevance of Branca in the routes of the Roman Empire.

Landscape and Mining Legacy

The geographical diversity of Branca, which ranges from the plains to the elevations of the Serra de São Julião, is complemented by the presence of the Caima River valley. Although currently inactive, this valley once housed an important mining complex. Various minerals were extracted from this site, including sulfur, coal, and even traces of gold, demonstrating the richness of the subsoil and the industrial activity that shaped part of the region's economic history. Its presence in the current landscape serves as a silent testimony to this past.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt