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Vimarano PerezFounder and first ruler of the County of Portugal.
Country:
 Spain |
Content:
- Foundation of Portugal
- Conquest of the Douro Valley
- Establishment of the County of Portucale
- Death and Legacy
- Commemoration and Legacy
Foundation of Portugal
Early Life and CareerVímara Peres was the son of an unknown Pedro from southern Galicia. As a vassal of King Alfonso III of Asturias, he was responsible for securing the kingdom's southwest regions from Moorish raids and repopulating the city of Braga.
Conquest of the Douro Valley
In 868, Vímara Peres led an invasion into the territory of the Emirate of Cordoba. He liberated the region between the Minho and Douro rivers, including the city of Portus Cale (present-day Porto).
Establishment of the County of Portucale
With the permission of King Alfonso III, Vímara Peres established the County of Portucale (Condado de Portucale) on the conquered lands. This became the first known reference to Portugal as a feudal territory. Vímara also founded the fortified settlement of Vimaranis (modern Guimarães), which is often referred to as the "Cradle of Portugal."
Death and Legacy
Vímara Peres passed away in La Coruña in 873. He was succeeded in Portugal by his only son, Lucitiu Vimarãnes. The descendants of Vímara Peres, known as the Vímara Peres dynasty, ruled the county until 1071.
Commemoration and Legacy
In 1968, a monument was erected in Porto to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the city's liberation from the Moors. Sculpted by Barata Feyo, it depicts Vímara Peres. Streets in Porto and Guimarães also bear his name as a testament to his foundational role in Portuguese history.
