La town of Viana do Castelo It is located in the north of Portugal and is well known by the people of Galicia and Castilla y León for its proximity. The Portuguese city is located on the estuary of the Limia River. The true origin of the city is not known, although it is believed that it could have been created as a royal residence.
Let's see what the city of Viana do Castelo. It is not one of the most touristy Portuguese cities but nevertheless it has some points of interest that you should not miss. It is an ideal destination for a weekend getaway.
How to get to Viana do Castelo
The city of Viana do Castelo is located on the Portuguese north coast. There are barely sixty kilometers from the Tui population on the border with Portugal, in Galicia. It can also be reached from Porto, since it is 54 kilometers away. You usually go by the road that goes along the coast, the A-28.
Mount of Santa Luzia
One of the most emblematic places of this city is located at the top, on the mount of Santa Luzia. This mountain is located 228 meters above sea level and it is possible to get there on foot, by funicular or by vehicle. The funicular access, which is one of the most interesting, is located next to the station and the shopping center. At the top of this mountain we find the beautiful church of Santa Luzia, a neo-Byzantine temple built in the XNUMXth century. Inside you can see the color of the stained glass in the rose windows and you can also see the paintings in the domes. Inside there is a museum and it is possible to go up to the roof. Another of the things that is most appreciated in this place are the incredible views of the sea and the city.
Castle Santiago da Barra
This castle is in the fishing port of the city, next to the mouth of the river. This castle was built as a fort during the XNUMXth century and later it was incorporated into a larger one, creating a castle that served to protect against pirate attacks. It is surrounded by a moat and can be accessed by a drawbridge. It is possible to visit it from Monday to Friday.
Gil Eannes Hospital Ship
This is one of the most peculiar visits that we can find in the city of Viana do Castelo. This ship served as a hospital for sailors that fished cod, an industry that built the city for many years and that was the main activity of the local people. Inside the ship you can see the area used as an operating room with all the utensils or the place where the sick rested, with old hospital beds.
Capela das Malheiras
This is one of the houses that represents the better form the Portuguese baroque. It is also known as the Casa de las Estampas. A few meters away, in the building that housed the Bank of Portugal is currently the Museum of Costume, in which you can see traditional costumes with a tour of the typical clothing of Viana and the making of the handmade costume. Nearby is also the Casa dos Nichos, a XNUMXth century building in which ancient archaeological remains are exposed.
Republic square
This is the most central area of the city of Viana do Castelo, where the Antigos Paços do Concelho were located, which was the old town hall. The building is from the XNUMXth century and when we see it it will seem more like a fort than a building dedicated to politics. At present it is only used as a gallery for contemporary art exhibitions. In this square you can also see the chafariz, an elegant and ornate fountain that can be seen in many Portuguese squares. It has a Renaissance style from the XNUMXth century and has Manueline motifs.
Cidade Velha
The one known as Cidade Velha is a old fort located near the mount of Santa Luzia, on the outskirts of the city. This fort dominated the entire estuary of the river and has become one of the most important in the north of the Iberian Peninsula.
Igreja Matriz
This church is also known as the cathedral or Sé de Viana do Castelo. It has some beautiful Romanesque towers and was built in the XNUMXth century. It has gone through quite a few transformations throughout its history. It was not until 1977 that it became a cathedral. Inside you can see some emblazoned tombs and chapels.
Beaches in Viana do Castelo
This area of Portugal is also famous for the beach areas and the sports that can be practiced, such as the kitesurfing or windsurfing. There are several beaches such as Cadebelo, Afife beach or Amorosa beach.