ESPOSENDE, a city facing the Atlantic...
The Atlantic Coast Orchestra - an association of music and culture is based in the magnificent coastal town of Esposende, a privilege of nature, particularly because of its relationship with the Atlantic Ocean, the rivers, the plain and Monte de Faro. The municipality of Esposende follows the Portuguese Atlantic coast through the Litoral Norte Natural Park. It is bounded to the north by the River Neiva and divided by the River Cávado. Esposende belongs to the district of Braga and is the only municipality connected to the ocean. It is a stretch of Portuguese coastline on the Atlantic axis between Vigo and Porto.
Although the history of Esposende as an administrative unit is marked by the date of its elevation to a town, by charter of King Sebastião in 1572, man has been leaving his mark on this region for millennia. With the settlement of nomadic man, the first settlements appeared, strategically placed on the crests of the hills overlooking the Atlantic Ocean - the Castros - dating from the 1st century BC to at least the 4th century AD. Even today, we can see immense remains from prehistoric times, such as Menhirs, Antas and Dolmens, as well as the fantastic medieval cemetery of Barreiras, dating from around the 11th century to the entry of the Black Death into Portugal (14th century), one of the largest and most important on the Iberian Peninsula.
In addition to a significant number of archaeological remains dating back to prehistoric times, it was from the 16th century onwards, with a strong emphasis on the 18th century, that Esposende saw its territory occupied by beautiful and interesting monuments representing our civil, military and religious heritage. They are a sign of an economic boom based on the bountiful journey of gold from Brazil, which largely transformed the municipality's landscape. Esposende was elevated to city status on July 2, 1993.
