Vila Viçosa
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Heraldry of the World Civic heraldry of Portugal - Brasões dos municípios portugueses |
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VILA VIÇOSA
District : Évora
Origin/meaning
The castles symbolise the castle of Bragança, where the dukes of Bragança (the Portuguese royal dynasty) take their title from, although they have never lived there.
The image of the Virgin Mary signifies the devotion of the Dukes of Bragança to her. She is also the patron saint of Vila Viçosa. The image is based on a statue in the palace of the Dukes of Bragança. Above the image of Mary is the badge of the Dukes of Bragança before they became King of Portugal in 1640.
The two blue shields with white circles traditionally symbolise the first standard of the first king of Portugal. Some say these are the wounds of Christ, others that they are the depiction of the pieces of silver Judas received to betray Christ. The true origins however, is not known.
Freguesias in Vila Viçosa :
Literature : image send by Sergio Horta, information send by Gregor Arvoy (arvelli@hotmail.com)