Gold on the Banks of the Paiva:
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the peaceful region of Vila Nova de Paiva, now known for its natural beauty and cultural traditions, was the scene of an activity that fueled dreams of wealth: gold mining. At that time, the municipality gained notoriety for the presence of the precious metal, especially on the banks of the Paiva River, whose fame spanned generations.
Although gold mining was discontinued long ago, it is still possible to find traces of this practice in the local landscape, with old excavations and rudimentary structures that tell the story of a time when the soil was scoured in search of fortune.
The memory of that era remains alive in the popular imagination. The inhabitants of Vila Nova de Paiva share, with a touch of humor and nostalgia, the stories of the “gold hunters”, who believed that the Paiva River hid true riches in its clear waters. Many tried their luck, few found anything valuable, but all contributed to creating one of the most curious episodes in local history.
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