Vilas Boas is an old Portuguese parish in the municipality of Vila Flor, with an area of 28.57 km2 and 550 inhabitants (2011). Its population density was 19.3 inhab/km2. It was united with the parish of Vilarinho das Azenhas, forming the Union of the Parishes of Vilas Boas and Vilarinho das Azenhas, with headquarters in Vilas Boas
Vilas Boas, a rural community that includes the municipality of Vila Flor and the Regional Park of Vale do Tua, gets its name from the Romans: Boas indicated that the soils of this parish were extremely fruitful since vilas, which date back to Roman times, were agrarian units. The antiquity of this village, however, is also demonstrated by archaeological remains, namely on the hill of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, where there is a castro that was later romanized.
The parish church dedicated to Santa Maria Madalena, built in the 16th century (XVIII), but with a frieze from the Manueline period at the back of the sacristy, and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Assunço, with a main church, several little scattered chapels, and a grand stairway, are both worthy of pride and a visit. Several manor homes with coats of arms, a fountain, a cross, and the Pelourinho, a designated monument, are all included in this parish’s built estate.
The Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, perched on top of a hill (cabeço) where it was formerly a castro, afterwards occupied by the Romans, is the largest Marian sanctuary in Trás-os-Montes. It contains a large church in the centre, several smaller chapels located all over, and a grand staircase. The main churchyard is a magnificent 360-degree vista from which, on clearer days, it is possible to see the country of Spain.
