This year the ‘Wonders of Portugal’ campaign, which aims to acknowledge, showcase and promote Portugal’s national identity, was dedicated to Portugal’s villages, and divided into seven categories: Riverside, Seaside, Rural, Remote, Authentic, Monument and Protected Areas.
The frontrunners were whittled down to two finalists in each category, and the overall winners announced this week in a ceremony held in Piódão, in Arganil, central Portugal.
“The outcome was tremendous. We have managed to involve the entire country in an extraordinary way, and showcase hidden heritage”, Luís Segadães, president of the ‘Seven Wonders’ project, told newspaper Diário de Notícias.
A total of 49 villages were chosen to take part in the competition, seven in each of the seven categories, which were then narrowed down to two finalists before the winners were chosen through public vote.
The 14 finalists were up for voting for a week, not only in Portugal but also in several European countries.
The seven most voted villages now form part of the ‘Seven Wonders’ route, which already includes historic and natural heritage, gastronomy and beaches.
The winners were: Dornes (central Portugal) in the Riverside Villages category; Sistelo (northern Portugal, Rural Villages), Fajã dos Cubres (São Jorge Island, Azores, Seaside Villages), Piódão (central Portugal, Remote Villages), Castelo Rodrigo (northern Portugal, Authentic Villages), Monsaraz (Alentejo, Monument Villages), and Rio de Onor (northern Portugal, Villages in a Protected Area).
“There was an astounding participation which resulted in one of the best votes ever. It is gratifying to see people’s interest in these areas, where there is significant depopulation. The mission was to find a list of must-see places that we could boast of worldwide”, Luís Segadães stressed.
All 49 participants will also form part of a book titled ‘The Journey that No One has Made Yet’, which will also soon be released in English.
“It shows a very interesting mosaic of cultures between the different regions. They make great content for any tourist”, the organiser stressed.
More ideas are also being thought up for future ‘Seven Wonders’ themes.
Luís Segadães explained: “We will continue, as a means of getting people throughout the country and beyond involved, to promote these great successes of national identity.”