According to the monograph entitled “Oliveira de Azeméis – Two Centuries of History”, the first historical reference to Loureiro dates back from 993AD. However only from 1220 on the juridical existence of the parish has been documented.  Important  historical personalities were born in this town such as  D. Frei Caetano Brandão (1740-1805)  and Dr. Albino dos Reis  (1888-1983). The former was an eminent Franciscan friar who later became Archbishop of Braga, a very prestigious charge he held at the time of his death, and the latter a distinguished politician of the so-called “Estado Novo”.

As interesting places to visit we can suggest, in terms of the religious architecture, the centenary Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Alumieira, the Parish Church dedicated to St John the Baptist which original version could be dated back from the XVIII century, the Chapels of  St  António and St  Pedro, the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Livramento (situated in the locality of Faial) and the Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Esperança (locality of Quintã), among others.  Another place of interest is the old  largo de Alumiera, which was submitted to an important transformation during the  sixties.  There, the  busts  of    D. Fr. Caetano Brandão and Dr. Albino dos Reis,  the monument to the  "Emigrante", the Cruzeiro and a typical  Bandstand are a “must” too. Last but not least, we can also find some interesting handmade iron gates  in very old houses.

Promoted as a small town in 1995, Loureiro has an area of 2100 ha and about 3376 inhabitants, according to the information of the National Association of Portuguese City Councils.  There are approximately 986 families to 1152 dwellings and 1104 buildings.

The agricultural explorations, more or less mechanized, are the main occupation of the inhabitants. Related to the agricultural activity there is a great number of  traditions which promote intense interpersonal  relationships in the community. We still have the local small shops and two important industries: the manufacture of agricultural machinery and  rice peeling factories.

The school  system system has a varied choice from the kindergarten to the 9th  grade.  Loureiro is one of the few small towns of the Oliveira de Azeméis area that has such varied school options.

The so-called  "Quinta do Barão"   is a place with some conditions for the practice of sports as for instance Baseball and it still houses several other groups related to various cultural fields as theatre, music, etc. This manor house from the 19th century is also the best place for parties and important events as, for instance, the unforgettable First National Meeting of the Portuguese Traditional Games in 1989.


Loureiro coat of arms  

 


 Loureiro is located on the west part of Oliveira de Azeméis municipality  (Click on the picture)