Ponte de Lima
Ponte de Lima | |
|---|---|
Aerial view of Ponte de Lima | |
| Coordinates: 41°46′N 8°34′W / 41.767°N 8.567°W | |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Norte |
| Intermunic. comm. | Alto Minho |
| District | Viana do Castelo |
| Parishes | 39 |
| Government | |
| • President | Vasco Ferraz |
| Area | |
• Total | 320.25 km2 (123.65 sq mi) |
| Population (2021) | |
• Total | 41,164 |
| • Density | 130/km2 (330/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+00:00 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+01:00 (WEST) |
| Website | www |
Ponte de Lima (European Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpõtɨ ðɨ ˈlimɐ] ⓘ) is the oldest vila (chartered town, head of a municipality) in Portugal, in the district of Viana do Castelo. Situated on the southern bank of the Lima River, it takes its name from the medieval bridge (ponte) that crosses the waterway. In 2021, the municipality had a population of 41,164 within an area of 320.25 square kilometres (123.65 sq mi). The town itself has approximately 2,800 inhabitants.
The current mayor is Vasco Ferraz, elected by the People's Party (CDS–PP). As of 2024, Ponte de Lima is one of the six municipalities in Portugal administered by this party. The municipal holiday is celebrated on the Tuesday following the Feiras Novas (New Fairs), a festivity held annually during the second weekend of September.