THE LEGEND OF “VALONGO E SUSÃO”

The names of Valongo and Susão have their origin in this legend, that takes us back to the times in wich some of the Christians that were being chased in the East took refuge in Cale, mouth of the Douro river. Among them, there was the jew Samuel, a rich negociant who had been recently converted to Christianism, and his daughter Susana. Even thought they were thinking that they were free from being chased, they ended up being obligied to defend themselves from the arabics that were dominating the region. With that said, they set up a trap and captured the young Domus, expeting to organize a rescue in order to obtain peace.

While the negociacions where happening, Domus and Susana fell in love and the moor asked to be baptized so that he could marry with the young lady. After this, the agreement with the muslims became impossible and so they decided to leave Portucale (Porto) and run way headed to the East. After arriving the top of Serra de Santa Justa, they faced a beautiful landscape and the lovely Susana shouted an honest complement to the long valley ( vale longo ) that was standing in front of her eyes. Susana and Domus decided to go down to the valley and to remain there forever. They built the first houses in the location, and after that, the people of Susão was born. This name was given to the people in the memory of Susana. And the valley that was so admired by the young Susana, got the name of Valongo ( vale longo )

Santa justa

Valongo

Made by: Beatriz Fonseca 9ªB Nº4