Soajo has had several charters, the last one given in 1514. Later, it would become council, taking in Ermelo and Gavieira, but it was extinct on 17/02/1852, because of the liberal reformations.
This village has about 3.913 hectares and is located about 20 km from Arcos de Valdevez. It is limited on the North side by Gavieira, on the East side by Spain, on the South side by Lindoso and Britelo and on the West side by Gondoriz, Cabana Maior, Vale and Ermelo. The history... Soajo village is implanted in one of the hillsides of Peneda mountains, over Lima river. It has a long history. It is said that it was founded on the 1st century but only on the 16th century did it get a charter. Soajo people has been enjoying privileges ever since the foundation of Portugal because, at a time when other Portuguese villages were under Spanish leadership, Soajo recognized the king of Portugal as legitimate and that gave it several rights.
The inhabitants used to be called «monteiros» (huntsmen), because their main activity was hunting. The captured species were: bears, warthogs, wild goats, wolves and foxes.
In 1852, Soajo lost the right to be head of council. Nevertheless, it hasn’t lost its peculiarity. Even today, the streets are paved in granite and the houses are built in stone. Communitarian life has always been very important in this village. Until about a century ago, Soajo had a judge elected by the people.
Located in a region of rare beauty, this village has other curiosities, like Soajo Dolmens, Old Bridge and Côto Velho Sightseeing.
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