In 1908 King Manuel II of Portugal inaugurated the "Caminho de Ferro do Vale do Vouga" ("Vouga Valley Railline") which, along with the construction of new streets and roads allowed the parallel growth of the region. With the construction of the local hospital, the introduction of electricity into the region was finally concluded, while at the same time the cultural arena was enhanced with the establishment of the "Grupo Patriótico Sanjoanense" a philharmonic band and cultural centre (led by the Jesuit priest and histographer Serafim Leite).