Vilarinho da Furna
Vilarinho da Furna was a small mountain village in northern Portugal that now lies submerged beneath a reservoir. The settlement consisted of stone dwellings built on two levels, with livestock and storage on the lower floor and family living spaces above.
The village likely originated around the time of the Roman Geira road construction, which connected Braga to Astorga. In the 1970s, the construction of a dam flooded the area and forced all inhabitants to leave their homes.
This village was built on shared labor and mutual support, with decisions made collectively at regular community meetings. Traditional gatherings and horn music played important roles in maintaining the bonds between inhabitants.
When water levels drop in summer, ruins of the old village become visible at the water's edge. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sun protection, as reaching the site requires hiking over rough terrain.
An ethnographic museum preserves the village's history with original objects, photographs, and tools from the daily lives of former inhabitants. Each August, descendants and former residents gather for a reunion to honor their shared heritage.
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