Viseu - History and Tourism, Geography, Demograpics, Education, Parishes

40º40N 7º55W, pop (2001e) 25 700. Town in NC Portugal; located among wooded hills on the R Pavia, 138 km/86 mi SE of Porto; birthplace of João de Barros; bishopric; airfield; railway; cathedral (originally 13th-c); Museu de Grão Vasco (in former bishop's palace) houses a collection of paintings by Vasco Fernandes who established a school of art here (1475–1540); wine producing region.

Viseu Municipal coat of arms
Location
- Country	Portugal
- Region	Centro
- Subregion	Dão-Lafões
- District or A.R.	Viseu
Mayor	Fernando Ruas
- Party	PSD
Area	507.1 km²
Population
- Total	96,810
- Density	191/km²
No. of parishes	34
Coordinates	40º40'N 7º55'W
Municipal holiday	September 21
Website: http://www.cm-viseu.pt/

Viseu (pron.

History and Tourism

The city name goes back to the end of the Roman Empire and the early Middle Ages where its name is derived from the Roman term "viso", which means a good view.

In 693 AD Viseu was taken by the Moors who held it for almost a century.

Viseu was the birthplace of one of the greatest Portuguese painters of the sixteenth century, Vasco Fernandes (1475-1540), known as Grão Vasco, who today lends his name to a museum, a hotel, and even a brand of wine.

Geography

The city of Viseu has an almost central position in relation to the District lying on the so-called Viseu Plateau (port.

Demograpics

Due to important emigration in the decade of 1960, Viseu suffered a great decrease in its population.

Education

Viseu is the location of the Instituto Politécnico de Viseu.

Parishes

Abraveses Barreiros Boa Aldeia Bodiosa Calde Campo Cavernães Cepões Coração de Jesus Cota Couto de Baixo Couto de Cima Fail Farminhão Fragosela Lordosa Mundão Orgens Povolide Ranhados Repeses Ribafeita Rio de Loba Santa Maria de Viseu Santos Evos São Cipriano São João de Lourosa São José São Pedro de France São Salvador Silgueiros Torredeita Vil de Souto Vila Chã de Sá