Souto (Abrantes)

Souto is a former freguesia ("civil parish"), located in the municipality of Abrantes, in Santarém District, Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the new parish Aldeia do Mato e Souto.[1] The population in 2011 was 418,[2] in an area of 13.09 km².[3]

Souto
Civil parish
Souto Location in Portugal
Coordinates: 39°33′58.11″N 8°14′23.92″W
Country	Portugal
Region	Centro
Intermunic. comm.	Médio Tejo
District	Santarém
Municipality	Abrantes
Established	Parish: 21 October 1629
Disbanded	2013
Area
• Total	13.09 km^2 (5.05 sq mi)
Elevation	210 m (690 ft)
Population  (2011)
• Total	418
• Density	32/km^2 (83/sq mi)
Time zone	UTC±00:00 (WET)
• Summer (DST)	UTC+01:00 (WEST)
Postal code	2230-807
Area code	241
Patron	São Silvestre
Website	http://www.souto.com

History

The name of this region developed from the existence of a dense forest of chestnut trees; its toponymy is a literal translation of this type of vegetation. The population of the region date back to the Calcolithic period of prehistoric settlement.

During the Spanish invasion of Portugal during the Peninsular Wars it was a point of resistance; the Count of Schaumburg-Lippe-Bückeburg, William, established a line of defence in Souto as part of his intervention, under the authority of the Marquess of Pombal to protect Portugal.

Souto received its parish status on 21 October 1629.

Geography

The civil parish is located in the northern part of the municipality, neighbouring the parishes of Fontes (to the north); Carvalhal (to the east); São Vicente and Aldeia do Mato (to the west); separated from the municipality of Tomar by the Tagus River. It is the 17th largest parish by area, 18th by population and 12 in population density.

In addition to the parish seat, the parish includes several settlements, including Atalaia, Bioucas, Carregal, Maxieira, Quinta and Ribeira da Brunheta.

References

1. Diário da República. "Law nr. 11-A/2013, pages 552 4" (pdf) (in Portuguese). Retrieved 4 July 2014.
2. Instituto Nacional de Estatística
3. Eurostat