fontanelas

Fontanelas is a civil parish (freguesia) in the municipality of Amarante, located in the district of Porto in the Norte region of Portugal. Covering an area of approximately 8.2 km², the parish had a population of 2,156 according to the 2021 census, resulting in a modest population density typical of the interior northern landscape.

The name “Fontanelas” derives from the Portuguese word “fontes,” meaning springs, reflecting the abundance of small water sources that have historically shaped local settlement patterns. The parish’s origins trace back to the medieval period, when it formed part of the frontier lands between the Kingdom of Portugal and the neighboring kingdom of León. Historical records indicate the presence of a small fortified community that later evolved into an agricultural settlement.

Key landmarks include the Church of São Martinho, a Baroque-style edifice dating from the 18th century that houses notable altarpieces and serves as the focal point for religious festivities. The parish council building, constructed in the early 20th century, exemplifies traditional municipal architecture. Annual celebrations such as the Festa de São Martinho combine religious rites with local customs, featuring communal meals, folk music, and processions.

The local economy is primarily based on agriculture, with corn, vineyards, and olive groves dominating the countryside. Small-scale manufacturing and services related to tourism have grown in recent years, capitalizing on the region’s natural scenery and cultural heritage. Fontanelas is connected to the broader Amarante area by the regional road network, providing access to nearby urban centers while retaining a tranquil rural character.