Galveias is a civil parish in the municipality of Ponte de Sor, in the Portuguese northern Alentejo, district of Portalegre. The population in 2011 was 1,061, in an area of 79.83 km². The small parish developed under the patronage of Order of Aviz, endowments from the Marquês Ratão family.
History
The founding of this settlement is attributed to friar Lourenço Afonso, a master in the Order of Aviz, in 1342. Galveias was a priory in the Order of Avis, and benefited from the Order's wealth, and religious patronage. But, economically, the region was already a prosperous agricultural centre, supported by the cultivation of oranges and raising of local poultry. It was originally known as Vila Nova do Laranjal because of its many orange groves. In addition, olive oil and wine were produced and commercialized by its citizens. Jorge de Alencastre, son of King John II, first expanded the settlement in 1425. On 1 January 1512, the settlers benefited from a foral issued by the Aviz, and granted by King Manuel I. By 1538, King John III elevated the settlement to the status of town. Important to the regions growth were the Counts of Galveias: the first titular, Dinis de Melo e Castro, was installed in 1691.
Geography
Galveias is situated in the municipality of Ponte de Sor: it is located 14 kilometres from the municipal seat, and 18 kilometres from the town of Avís, crossed by the E.N.244 motorway. The local population is concentrated in the main town, in which the homes are older dwellings, apart from two modern residential developments. Comprising 1800 residents, it is composed of primarily seniors, in addition to an elevated number of immigrants. Galveias has its own administrative council and executive, post of the G.N.R, poste office and one banking institution. In addition to the kindergarten, which receives 3 to 4 year oldes until primary, it also has its own primary schoolconsisting of pre-primary, primary and pre-secondary students, consisting of six classrooms. A seniors residence provides lodging, assistance and hygiene for 70 seniors, supported by a small health centre providing administration, consultancy and curative care and a small hospital with limited assistance and palliative care.
Economy
The region supports a micro-climate, adequate to support the orange groves, vineyards and olive orchards that dominate the agricultural industry. Portion of the parish is allocated to two hunting reserves for tourists and local huntsmen. Many of its citizens are involved in seasonal employment, work outside the parish or are employed under the Programas Ocupacionais do Centro de Emprego. The commercial activities are limited, but include cafés and various smaller concessionaires.
The local cultural institutions include a public library, the Casa da Cultura, which also serves as a library, computer centre, music room, video centre, in addition to the presentation of socio-cultural events. There are also two halls to provide post-school services and extra-circular activities. The Sociedade Filarmónica is the historically popular local band, that provides concerts and play at most local events, as well as providing music classes for the region.
