evidence: Vila Real, in the Trás-os-Montes region of north east Portugal, is located on the River Corgo and close to the Park Natural do Alvão. There is evidence of settlement in the area dating back in history to the Stone Age. The Romans had a the settlement at nearby Panóias, though Vila Real ("Royal Town") itself was founded in 1289 by Dom Dinis. [...] Vila Real is 120 km southwest of Bragança on the IP4/A4 motorway. Take the N332 in the direction of Sabrosa for Casa de Mateus and Panóias. Vila Real is 30 km north of Régua on the A24.