A Piece of Portuguese History Up for Grabs
"Each stone in Póvoa Dão Village tells a story. Between the valley's silence and the river's sound, this village is a refuge of authenticity — a setting where tradition and modernity unite. If you're looking for a distinctive investment and an authentic piece of Portugal, this village is the answer."
That's how auction house Leilosoc is marketing the sale of Póvoa Dão village in Silgueiros parish, just 14 kilometers from Viseu.
Póvoa Dão
What Makes This Village Special
This isn't just any property — it's an entire historic village spanning 100 hectares with:
- 41 traditional houses preserving the original Beiras architectural style
- A charming chapel
- A restaurant facility
- A swimming pool
- A tennis court
- Direct access to the Dão River with river beaches and stunning views
The starting bid is set at €1,000,000, though the desired base value is €1,699,898.08.
Development Potential
The auction promoters highlight several potential uses for this unique property:
- Luxury eco-resort or tourist village
- Wine tourism and vineyard enterprise
- Sustainable rural condominium
Póvoa Dão
A Troubled History of Investment
Thirty years ago, Póvoa Dão was purchased by a construction company from Cantanhede that invested approximately five million euros in completely restoring the village. The project was completed in 2004, but financial difficulties forced the company to abandon the village once again.
Local Hopes for Revival
Rui Mendes, president of Silgueiros Parish Council, expressed hope for the village's future: "It would be great to have Póvoa Dão with tourism again, with people, with dynamism."
He acknowledges that the near-total abandonment — currently only two local accommodations remain — will require "supplementary reconstruction investment," but emphasizes that "it would always be good not to let the village disappear."
Historical Context
Póvoa Dão made headlines back in May 1995 when it was sold for 80,000 contos (approximately €400,000 at current exchange rates). At that time, only four elderly residents remained from the dozens of families that inhabited the village in the 1970s.
The auction continues through December 5th, and so far, no public proposals have been received.
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