The territory of Vila Velha de Ródão was a strategic point in the delimitation of Christian borders, vis-à-vis Muslims, and in ensuring the freedom of navigation of the Tagus, hence the need to build its castle, watchtower surrounded by waist of walls, located in a strategic point at the top of the Gates of Ródão.
From the Muslim presence and the wars of the Reconquista, the castle of Rhum and the legendary place are unequivocal testimonies, with the river as a sign of the frontier of Christianity, guarded by the Order of the Templars.
The importance of Ródão comes from the port of The Tagus, which gave way to a commercial and pastoral road, fundamental to ensure the flow of goods from the interior to the coast and from the coast to the interior, which had in Ródão its privileged place. Up to the port of the Tagus came the boats that climbed the river, aided by human force and beasts that helped to overcome the fast, using the sirga walls that border the banks of the river. This river traffic was very active until the construction of the railway of Beira Baixa, which removed to the port of The Tagus and vila Velha de Ródão the economic relevance that until that date played throughout the region of the interior Beirão.
From the strategic-military point of view, in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, a set of military actions took place in Vila Velha de Ródão in the context of the Seven Years' War and the French Invasions that place this village in the anais of Portugal's history, and whose defense works are still visible today in the Serra das Talhadas.
The construction of the metal bridge and the railway contributed to the development of the municipality. It was also at this time that intensive olive growing was introduced in this region, which so markedly contributed to changes in the local landscape and economy.
The municipality has numerous traces of archaeological and architectural heritage visitable on the ground, but also in its museum spaces, very didactic and representative of the most important points of interest for those who want to discover the genesis and essence of this territory.
In a land of legends and tradition, let nature be dazzled in the tourist yores, observe rock art closely and get to know its museological nuclei. Alternatively, let yourself be enchanted by the dichotomy between the blue water of the Tagus River and the green of the mountains through a boat ride or cruise.
The municipality of Vila Velha de Ródão is serviced by good a network of communication routes, located at the confluence of important road routes that establish effective and fast connections to the most important national urban centers. The A23 motorway is less than two hours from Lisbon and about two and a half hours from Porto. The connection to Coimbra, via the IC8 and the A13, makes it possible to reach this city in about an hour. The Beira Baixa line provides connections for passengers of interregional trains and intercities from the municipality.
Of the local products, the great highlight is olive oil, but also cheeses, honey, ham, wine and traditional bakery and pastry are part of the production and Ródão and its gastronomy.
In handicrafts, pieces of trapology, tapestry and embroidery predominate. But also cork artifacts, shale and recycled wood work can be enjoyed and purchased at the local trade in the region.
Source: Vila Velha de Ródão Town Hall