TRAS-OS-MONTES

(Portuguese: Beyond the Mountain), historical province of northeastern Portugal, bounded north and east by Spain, south by the gorges of the Douro River, and west by the mountains of Gerez, Cabreira, and Maro. Geologically a part of the Meseta Central (q.v.), the terrain may be divided physically into two regions. Terra Fria in the north is a monotonous sequence of rolling hills and dry plateaus where grains (especially rye) are extensively cultivated and livestock are raised. Terra Quente, in the south, consists of the valleys of the upper Douro River and its tributaries. In this region, stomping is the traditional method for making port wine. The Alto Rabago hydroelectric project on the Cvado River in Trs-os-Montes was opened in 1978. Of archaeological interest are the Iron Age granite effigies of boars found in the province, most notably at Mura. Bragana (capital of the historical province), Chaves, and Vila Real, home of the 15th-century explorer Diogo Co (Cam), are the chief towns.